Club 50 FITNESS CENTERS
50 for active, mature adults
Club Fby JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Susan Seifert works out on the stepper, which is part of the circular workout routine.

FFor most adults, once they reach 40, visiting the doctor begins to sound like a broken record, according to Diana Seifert, owner of Club 50 Fitness Centers.

"You go to the doctor, and what do they tell you," she said. "You have to lose weight, your cholesterol is high, your blood pressure is getting high."

Going to the gym can be a stressful experience before the workout even begins. Trying to blend in with younger, fitter men and women can discourage some people from exercising.

So, Diana and her sister-in-law, Susan Seifert, decided to fulfill their dream of co-owning a business. They opened a franchise, Club 50 Fitness Centers, at 708 Maple Road in Amherst.

The center, for mature men and women ages 40 and older, is a circle workout facility, meaning there are 16 stations - eight machines and eight jogging squar es.

Participants exercise in a circular motion, using each machine for 30 seconds. The equipment can be adjusted to different resistance levels to give each individual a routine that fits his or her physical stature.

Diana Seifert demonstrates how the machines work.

The equipment, which was designed by physical therapists, uses dual hydraulics for low impact workouts.

The facility has been beneficial to mature men and women and has helped people who have had knee and hip replacements, heart conditions and Parkinson's disease, Susan Seifert said.

Each machine focuses on a particular part of the body.

The shoulder press has an incline press movement with a pull for working the lateral muscles, shoulders, arms and back.

After 30 seconds, the person runs or walks in place on the jogging pad, which has a cushioned spring to support the knees and hips. The jogging pad is used for 30 seconds after each of the other machines throughout the 30-minute workout. It is devised to control the heart rate.

The seated stepper works all major muscles in the legs, quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals.

The butterfly pectoral focuses on the chest muscles, front and rear deltoids.

Biceps and triceps curls firm and strengthen the muscles in the arms, which increases the person's ability to lift and carry.

The abdominal and lower back machine tightens the abdominal muscles and strengthens the lower back muscles.

The multilift is an all-purpose machine that works different leg, quadriceps and calf muscles.

Long row is a push-pull action that strengthens the chest, shoulders, back and arms.

The knee extension and hamstring curl works the quadriceps muscles and hamstrings. This tones and shapes the muscles in the legs, increases endurance and improves knee joint integrity.

"This is not an aerobics program," said Diana Seifert. "Some work up a good sweat, and others come for a more moderate workout."

People 40 and older are more active these days, Diana Seifert added. Living a healthier lifestyle allows people to spend more time with their grandchildren and remain active for a longer time period.

"You just can't sit at home anymore," Susan Seifert said. "You need to exercise."

There are a lot of workout facilities for women, but there aren't too many that mature men can use, too.

Club 50 Fitness provides a facility where people can feel comfortable working out at a rate that is appropriate for each individual.

The center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Membership rates range from $17.50 to $29 per month. Univera Senior Choice and Independent Health Flex Fit are accepted. There is a one-time start up fee, which includes nutrition counseling for those who request it.

"Our motto is 50 percent nutrition, 50 percent exercise equals 100 percent results," Diana Seifert added.

It's optional, but members can have their body fat measured and be placed on a weight loss plan at no extra charge. Dietary supplements are also sold.

For more information, visit www.club50fitness.com or call 689-6135.