ADULT SENIOR CLASS IS A HIT
 The Free Press—Week of November 19-25, 1997

It takes a certain kind of senior to take a pair of weights and do shoulder rolls
with a smile on her face.

But six women were doing just that on Monday as they participated in the last
session of a groundbreaking senior strength training class offered through
Quakertown’s adult evening school, held at the high school.

"We have more fun, don’t we?" says Caryl Putchat, as she lead the class. "Smile."

Putchat, who is a certified medical exercise specialist and post rehabilitation
conditioning specialist, and is affiliated with Workout Plus, said that she called
the high school because the adult evening school offered aerobics, but nothing
for seniors. A gerontologist, she works with senior groups in a tri-country area
with her partner, Donna Duckworth, and does arthritis and strength training at
Grand View and Sacred Heart hospitals.

"I love teaching the seniors," she said. "I love the feedback. They feel so much
different when they exercise."

Participant Eleanore Colovonato of Quakertown agrees; She suffers from leg
problems due to diabetes.

"I thinks it’s good," she said. "It makes me more lively. I can do more things."

Putchat said that the seniors are very receptive to the information she gives them.

"This generation didn’t grow up in a gym," she said. "But they realize they have to
do this to maintain a functional life."

Quakertown’s Irma Schultz is ready to sign up again.

"After I leave the class I sleep like a baby," she said. "I’m sorry that I have to wait
until April to do this again. It helps us a lot."

Caryolyn Potser, a retired teacher of 38 years, attends the class.

"I took the class because I hit 70 in October and I’m losing too many skills too
fast, like walking, bending, stretching – just living. I do my yard work easier. I hope
I have the will power to continue this after the course is over."

Putchat uses varying resistances to strength train the seniors, who meet for the
class twice a week for six weeks.

"Some of her exercises include "around the world" in which weights are lifted
up in a tea pouring motion, as well as bicep curls.

She said that initially, the seniors have to learn to trust their instructor.

"Some wouldn’t go down on the floor or sit on the physioball in the beginning,"
she said. But they do now, she said with a smile.

—By Jane T. Smith

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