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Body Fitness A Good Fit For Older Adults

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By TONY HOLT, Hernando Today

Published: November 26, 2007

SPRING HILL - Circuit training isn't only for girls anymore.

In fact, the owners of Body Fitness have noticed a change among those taking the circuit class. There are far more men signing up these days, mostly seniors.

"We took the 30-minute circuit workout and took it to another level," said Donna Molines, who owns to the business along with her fiance John Hildebrandt. "We now find that senior men love it."

Molines opened the gym in August 2005 and expanded the facility six months ago.

Previously, there would be circuit-training and cardio machines lined up against the walls and people would work out on them while a yoga class took place in the middle of the floor.

The expansion meant the machines could be moved out of the aerobics room, freeing up Molines to donate that end of the gym for her classes.

She is certified to teach a number of classes, whether it is aerobics, yoga or Pilates. It is Hildebrandt, a former Mr. Indianapolis and Mr. St. Petersburg, who specializes in personal training and weight training.

In Molines' eyes, Body Fitness is better for mature men. Once they reach a certain age, they do not want to work out with a 25- or even a 35-year-old trainer anymore. They cannot do what they do - and they would prefer not to put on too much bulk.

Hildebrandt, who has a muscular but lean physique, is 52 years old.

He knows what his customers need and he provides it better than what a younger trainer would at Gold's Gym, Molines said. That is why she hired him six months after she opened.

He helped select and purchase the new, state-of-the-art cardio equipment and he brought along his business and fitness expertise.

Not only that, but he must have also brought his wit, charm and personality. Molines and Hildebrandt began dating months after their working relationship started and are engaged to be married.

Molines laughed and focused the conversation back on their business partnership.

"My expertise is the classes and the marketing," she said. "He knew the equipment and the personal training."

The 3,000-square foot facility, located along Mariner Boulevard, is filled with treadmills, hydraulic exercise equipment, free weights and small interval platforms strategically positioned next to each machine.

During a circuit-training session, customers get off the machines and do step aerobics, or some other kind of high-intense exercise. It keeps the heart rate high and is an effective way to burn fat.

Molines demonstrated for a few seconds on one of the platforms - without getting winded.

The 45-year-old blonde fits the familiar image of a personal trainer. She wore a tight-fitted tank top and sweat pants. Her long hair draped over her shoulders and extended to her lower back.

The muscles on her arms were defined.

She knew her subject matter inside and out and spoke intelligently about her job.

When the subject of post-Thanksgiving nutrition came up, she was eager to discuss it. Molines offers nutrition counseling at Body Fitness, which includes a low glycemic plan.

"Once you cross the line to diabetes, you can't go back," she warned.

She advises her customers to start easily on a workout regimen, consume high volumes of water and do not put off anything.

Those who want to work off their newfound holiday weight should not wait until after the holidays. Begin today - not after the New Year, Molines said.

"Don't set yourself up for failure," she said. "You have to pace it out. It's a life-long commitment. It's not like you graduate from fitness."

Finally, her advice to everyone is to discover a way to reduce stress. Some people eat more when they are stressed out. Others eat less, but are irregular with their meals. That can slow a person's metabolism and prevent him or her from losing weight.

"Refocus your thoughts and get away from food being the forefront of your gratification," Molines said. "Once you get that focus off of that food, your quality of life will be better."

BIZ AT A GLANCE

Name of biz: Body Fitness Inc. Owners: Donna Molines and John Hildebrandt What it is: Fitness center specializing

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