On Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. at the USO Historic Building, 230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd., the Upper Mojave Desert Historical Society will hold its last general meeting for this calendar year. And, what a constructive way to end! Sam Basco, owner of Sam’s Family Fitness Center, will present a short but incisive seminar on senior fitness. Sam, a local fitness trainer who has been with the company for over 30 years, at various fitness centers including his own, moved into the same building that houses the FedEx Center at 737 W. Ridgecrest Blvd . Sam’s Family Fitness Center offers a variety of individual fitness programs and a martial arts center for children and adults. The recipient of multiple medals for his mastery of the art of self-defense, Sam is currently planning a trip to Las Vegas in August to introduce his students to a major national competitive event.
But, Sam’s main specialty is the personal physical training of local seniors, an ever-growing population of fitness clients. As a personal trainer, Sam is always aware of the special needs of seniors in the areas of exercise, nutrition and spiritual well-being. Always attentive to his clients during their 30-minute sessions, Sam literally “works the piece” in his well-equipped facility to ensure that the correct form and posture is employed to prevent stress or injury. Elderly people who train alone or with ignorant trainers run the risk of serious injury. Sam’s guidance may include “hands-on” assistance (with client approval) that proves invaluable to the effectiveness of certain routines.
During the June 21 presentation, Sam will discuss topics relevant to the well-being of seniors who are embarking on a personal training program, such as cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility. Diseases of aging: including diabetes, osteopetrosis, arterio/athleroscrosis, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and balance problems will also be discussed. With the help of some of Sam’s clients, several important exercises and stretches will be demonstrated.
Finally, Sam will refer to Dr. Walter Willet’s Harvard University guide to nutrition for the elderly, which will include mention of important vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements and the need for good sleep and of daily water intake. Sam will wrap up the session with an in-depth debunking of fad diets that can do more harm than good to older adults.
Light and healthy snacks will accompany a question-and-answer session that will close the evening.
These monthly meetings are free to the public and will resume in September.
