Seniors maintain mobility, strength through fitness programs

BY FLORA REIGADA

Pumping iron, box jumping and exercising with weighted backpacks aren’t only for the young.

Ask Chuck Urrutia whose workouts at MOEfit Functional Fitness in Downtown Titusville include those things.

It offers group and personal fitness training, which could be a good fit for seniors who might feel lost in a group of 20 and 30 year olds.

“I have been exercising four to five times a week for quite a while,” Urrutia said.

“Primarily a runner, I did a couple of half and full marathons. I also did a lot of cycling and a few 100-mile rides.”

But at 80 years old, he’s starting to slow down a bit.

“I do shorter runs and enjoy spinning (indoor cycling) classes,” he said.

Urrutia’s daughter Natasha Gammon encouraged him to join MOEfit. He and his daughter work out together twice weekly, while she works out five days.

The business, owned by Marc and Joy Boucher, encourages functional fitness, which trains the body for activities performed in everyday life. This is especially poignant for seniors.

“We have about 12 clients 60 and older,” Marc Boucher said.

“Functional fitness involves things like developing strength to carry grandchildren, being able to escape a car accident or escape from danger.”

Boucher stressed the importance of mobility.

“We develop the mentality that once we retire, we’ll relax and sit around,” he said. “But a chair should be a means to relax after we lift heavy things that develop strength.”

Urrutia is reaping the benefits.

“Exercises are always a challenge, but they are doable,” he said.

“The benefits include a gradual increase in core strength and increased cardio conditioning.”

A Navy veteran, Urrutia appreciates MOEfit’s weekly observance honoring fallen veterans.

“Each Wednesday, a veteran’s name is announced and the story of how they were lost is told. The hard workout is dedicated to their memory. I think that is great.”

For more on MOEfit, visit moefit. com SL