Stay Young - Working Out is The Answer

By LYNNETTE FORTH | For The Prairie Advocate News

As people age, they often slow down. That is not the case for one Savanna man. Paul Belisk who will turn 87 next month has been working out three times a week at The Answer.

“When Mark first started out the business, he saw me on the street one day, and he showed me around. He did a lot of work to fix it up. I was his first customer when he opened,” Belisk said proudly.

Having a background in construction, Belisk has led a healthy and active lifestyle, until breaking his hip in January. “If I would have just sat around in a chair all day, I wouldn’t be in such good shape. Working out keeps me younger. Everyone should exercise regardless of their age. It helps get rid of fat in the body, and makes you feel good.”

Going to the Doctor for yearly checkups, the Doctor oftentimes comments about Belisk’s svelte physique.

The Answer offers many different types of exercise equipment for all ages. The goal of The Answer is to have an environment that is motivational, inspirational, soothing, and therapeutic.

With three floors of fitness equipment, the upper level features space for aerobic and step classes with trained professionals. Staff members provide great knowledge of each piece of equipment, and can assist the customer in operating each piece. At the beginning of each month, staff members provide personal evaluations, and prepare a new workout designed to suit the healthy exercise levels of each individual.

The ground level hosts recumbent bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, circuit equipment, a universal station, and tanning.

The lower level has free weights, hammer strength equipment, a full line of dumbbells, flat benches, and more. Belisk commented “I used to go to the lower level and use free weights, and do the heavy stuff before I broke my hip, but since then, I just focus on the things I can get to on the main level. I plan to keep getting the proper exercise as long as I am able to. I really like it.”

Tae-Kwon-Do and Yoga classes are offered at The Answer during the cooler weather months, as well as Aerobic and step classes, and year round tanning.

Individual, family, student, and senior memberships are available, with a key card allowing access to the facility from 4 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. One day passes are offered for a low fee of $10.00. Health foods, energy drinks, and meal planning are also available to create a healthy lifestyle.

Belisk commented, “Mark Klein is wonderful and so helpful to me. He doesn’t want to see me get hurt, so he goes around with me to the different equipment. Everyone should consider working out there.”

For more information about the services offered at The Answer, in Savanna, call 815-273-3747, or visit the website at www.fitness-tanning.com.