Picture this: You finally get on a treadmill after waiting 30 minutes at the Costello Sports Complex. Ten minutes into your workout, your usual routine has left you frustrated, unfulfilled and worst of all, fat. If this scenario sounds familiar, Patty Medina and Bruce Koharian might have a solution for you.
” [The workout] has got to be positive and fun,” Koharian said. “If you have a negative workout, people won’t come back.”
Patty Medina, instructor of “On the Ball” and Bruce Koharian, instructor of “Boot Camp” revolutionize the dull workout scene. Incorporating pleasing music, a relaxing atmosphere and good fun, the two instructors have centered their plans around enjoying your daily workout.
“On the Ball” begins with stretching and a light five minute jog. The workout moves relies on techniques with a large, rubber workout ball. The regiment concentrates on strengthening the core, increasing balance and stance, and includes yoga positions. The entire workout lasts about 45 minutes.
“It’s all about educating [members],” Medina said. “And finding the right balance for yourself.”
Medina has been instructing the class for 26 years. She began working at the Sullivan Fitness Center as a work study student, and after years of being the only female competitive power lifter at USM, began teaching her own workout classes. Medina later got her certification in weight training, mandatory for all weight program instructors. She also teaches a Latin line dancing class, and competes regularly in triathlons. “On the Ball,” started with 140 members enrolled, but as bigger businesses like Fitness World and Curves came into town, the class sizes got smaller. Medina has found most of her regulars are women in their 50s.
“These ladies have been with me since the beginning.” Medina said.
“Boot Camp” begins with a ten minute jog. The workout then focuses on increasing agility, flexibility and free weights. The exercises consist of a combination of running, dropping to the floor to do five pushups and then running again. After the warm-up, the plan focuses on sprints only. The members engage in what’s referred to as the “Dirty Dozen,” where they sprint up and down the basketball courts, increasing their speed as they get closer to the opposite side. This is repeated 12 times. The free weights section consists of leg strides while holding weights of your choice, twenty curls, twenty lateral raises and twenty arm extensions. The workout ends with five minutes of yoga relaxation.
“Women won’t cheat,” Koharian said. “Sometimes when you aren’t looking men will try to cheat, but women always do the exact amount of reps.”
Koharian has been instructing the class for over 30 years. Koharian also spent four years in the Air Force, and finds much of his experiences in the force helped him develop skills for the class. He also coaches the Deering High Track & Field team.
Koharian also said the number of members who attend his class has significantly declined. “This place should be packed every night.”
Koharian attributed this fact to the number of competing yoga studios and fitness centers around the Portland area.
Laura Tamir, a graduate of USM and member of “Boot Camp,” spent years as an avid runner, running at least five times a week.
“45 minutes and you are 20 lbs lighter,” Tamir said. “It’s always tough, but well worth it.”
The programs are offered by Lifeline, a center that has been part of the University for 30 years. Koharian helped start the center in the early ’70s. He and his friends helped raise money after they found there
was no weight room on the Portland Campus. Once they raised enough money, the University got the wheels turning.
“Everybody gets something out of [Lifeline],” Koharian said. “It’s all about taking recreation and making it work for you.”
The class is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
FMI: Peter Allen, Fitness Manager, 780-4641 or [email protected]
USM Lifeline, 780-4170 or www.usm.maine.edu/
Lifeline