Free ‘Fitness Challenge’ Hopes To Slim 50 Sedentary Newtowners

By John Voket

Taking a cue from the growing number of communitywide health initiatives, a resident and local business owner is launching a free pilot program specifically aimed at sedentary individuals who may resist exercise and eating healthier because they were never successful at it before.

The community “Fitness Challenge” has already received an endorsement of support for his holistic approach from the regional Health District director.

Cody Foss, MS, LATC, CSCS, PES, a fitness and health expert, has joined with Stacia E. Helfand, MS, Med, RD, CDN, RD, a Connecticut and New York State licensed registered dietitian who works in exercise physiology and holds two masters degrees (an MS in nutrition and an MEd in nutrition education), both from Columbia University’s Teachers College.

According to Mr Foss, the free program is available to the first 50 applicants who have medical clearance and submit an application to participate. Upon successful completion of the pilot, Mr Foss believes he could handle upwards of 100 participants per month if there is sustained community interest in the initiative.

Just don’t call it a simple diet and exercise program, he said.

“The wellness plan includes physical activity and nutritional guidelines,” Mr Foss said. “This program is designed to help individuals who are beginners, overweight, or have struggled to maintain a wellness plan. Participants will learn the basics of exercise and nutrition and will be provided the necessary structure and support to begin attaining their fitness goals.”

The program is not for advanced fitness enthusiasts, he added.

“The training sessions will consist primarily of interval cardiovascular training and resistance tubing strength training,” Mr Foss explained. “The groups will meet at Fairfield Hills several times per week and will be overseen primarily by volunteers that have all been exposed and attained certain levels of success in their own training programs.”

Mr Foss plans to reevaluate the pilot program weekly and will make necessary adjustments, including adding personal supervision if the volunteers require it. Mr Foss’s credentials include a degree in sports medicine, a master’s in health sciences, multiple degrees in strength and conditioning, and nearly 15 years of experience in the field.

Before opening The Fitness Loft of Newtown in January 2007, Mr Foss worked as director of performance programs at Ridgefield Fitness Club, was head athletic trainer and strength coach at the Spence School, he was the highest ranked trainer at Equinox and New York Health and Racquetball Club, served as a club manager, athletic trainer and strength coach at the US Athletic Trainer Center in New York, and conducted classes and training sessions for the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department and the local school district.

Ms Helfand will offer each participant two 30-minute meetings weekly that include a new nutritional topic as well as an opportunity to ask questions regarding individual plans.

Health District Director Donna Culbert told The Newtown Bee that the preliminary program appears to have a high propensity for success, because it takes a comprehensive and low-impact approach to holistic health.

“It’s teaching people that they can do this, that it can be easy and fun, and they don’t need expensive equipment or a gym membership to experience better health and weight loss,” she said. “I like the fact it encourages walking, something the health district is trying to get off the ground on a communitywide level.”

Mr Foss said Newtown Savings Bank is supplying a grant to underwrite the nominal cost of rubber resistance bands, marketing, and other costs. Some program equipment is being provided or discounted by The Gym Source, and T-shirts are being provided by Simm Lane neighboring business Wild River Custom Screen Printing.

Anyone interested in being considered for this no-cost community wellness program can call 304-1400, go online to TheFitnessLoft.org, or email their intent to participate before November 2 to WellnessChallenge@TheFitnessLoft.org.