Groton Fitness and Groton Recreation partner for senior health

Since July 2021, Chad and Kim Smith have been the owners of Groton Fitness Center (GFC) at 106 W. South St. Thus, they will celebrate three years of offering the community a venue to become healthier and fitter this coming July.

Although the Smiths have owned GFC for only a short time, the fitness center is not new to Groton. Ed Ferraro owned and operated it for 25 years prior, and it is a state-of-the-art, nearly 5,000-square-foot jewel in the heart of the village.

GFC has a pleasant small-town vibe, where people can get to know other people. It is filled with a plethora of free weights, Nautilus machines, treadmills, ellipticals, rowing machines and more. It is open seven days a week from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Chad was born and raised in Groton and is a 1991 Groton High School alumnus. He was a three-sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball and football, and worked at Main Street Pizzeria from age 14 until after graduation, so he is no stranger to many in the community. He has also been a baseball and basketball coach over the years through the Groton Youth Sports program, so training and coaching are definitely his niche.

During his years in business, Chad, who is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, has been able to offer so much more than just the venue, helping many GFC members on their journeys to wellness.

Becky Koenig, director of Groton Recreation (Groton Rec), is a GFC member. Shehad it in mind for a while to expand Groton Rec’s programming to include all age ranges.

“Since stepping into the recreation director position, I’ve wanted to expand our programming to include all ages, including senior citizens,” Koenig said. “I’ve worked with this population in fitness capacities previously and have seen firsthand the positive results that come from participation in functional fitness. There is the improved physical fitness, but the social aspect is incredibly important, as well. As a member of Groton Fitness Center, I knew the facility would be well suited for this class type. I also knew Chad had the experience, knowledge and personality to create a great program.”

“When [Koenig] approached me about a senior wellness program, I was thrilled because it’s something that is very near and dear to my heart,” Chad said. “I have been watching aging family members having inactivity affect their lives negatively, so this is very important to me. Sedentary lifestyles are one of the main causes of heart disease, dementia and diabetes. Diabetes — that’s a big one!” 

In short order, Groton Rec partnered with GFC and established the basic outline to offer a 16-session program called Active Aging & Functional Fitness. The recreation department took on the responsibility of coordinating advertising, registration and program support as needed. The program began March 5 and meets twice per week with Chad as the trainer.

“The program is not difficult,” Chad said. “It’s low-impact exercises designed to help [seniors] with everyday functions, and mainly chair exercises to get people comfortable with doing them at home and showing them that they don’t need to do them at a fitness center or have a trainer to guide them once they know what to do. Of course, some benefits of the class are socialization with like-minded people and the mind-muscle connection that is often lost as we get older.” 

Sixteen people, both men and women, joined the 16-class session, ranging in age from 62 to 90 They have nothing but praise for the experience.

Ann Holl said that she is taking the class because she hopes to get outside and walk this spring. Betty Conger said she thinks “it’s great that we can get together, see our friends and get exercise all at the same time!”

Frank Satterly added how great it is to interact with everyone. He said, “I am glad to learn more things that will help me cope with whatever challenges might come my way.”

“It’s a nice chance to meet other seniors in the Groton community,” Monica Conklin said. “I never had children, so [I] never got connected with people in the school community, and I worked out of town a lot doing title searching on land. So, this is wonderful for me.”

“Chad is very good and is patient with us and gets to know each of us and our individual problems,” Sharon Gallow said. “It’s much better being in a group to exercise. Alone, I wouldn’t do it.”

As it happens, Chad recently left his full-time job as a construction manager so he could dedicate his time to training and working with people to help them become healthier.

“At 50 years old, to do what I love is amazing,” Chad said. “It fills my bucket to help people get healthy and feel better about themselves. This program is very important to me. I love it when it clicks with people.”

“I think it’s great that Chad gives us all personal attention,” Pauline Satterly said. “I am very happy that Chad and Becky [Koenig] are offering this program to strengthen us in our senior years, and I want to tell people not to be afraid to join!”

Koenig said she is glad that the program has been very well received and hopes to continue to offer similar programs.

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

Youth Track & Field

Groton Recreation is calling all third through sixth graders to join Youth Track & Field, starting in May. This is a free after-school program at the Groton Jr./Sr. High School track, 400 Peru Rd., with coaches Simon Moll, Josh Plumeau and Scott Weeks, along with varsity track team helpers. Learn sprints, hurdles, relays, throwing, jumping and more! Registration information will be posted soon.

Summer programming

Booklets for Groton Recreation summer programs will be out soon! Booklets will be sent home from school with Groton students once they are available. They can also be picked up at the Groton Public Library, the Village Office and other locations throughout the town.

Fun times at the Legion!

There are always opportunities at the Groton American Legion Post 800 for food and fun that are open to the community, and one of them is Thursday Grill Nights at the Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. weekly. It’s a nice way to get out and enjoy a reasonably priced meal, prepared and served by volunteers, with all profits going to the Post.

Regular menu items include Hofmann hot dogs (with or without sauerkraut), Gianelli hot or sweet Italian sausage with peppers and onions, Angus sirloin hamburgers, cheeseburgers or bacon cheeseburgers and an assortment of homemade sides and desserts. Main dishes range from $3 to $6; desserts and sides are $3 each.