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Section: Feature
By Richard Derwald
In my capacity as coordinator of the Erie County Senior Fitness Program, I have never ceased to be amazed by the exceptional people I meet at local senior centers who, by their physical condition, courage and positive lifestyle, defy father time, and destroy myths of aging.
Deciding whom to profile in this super seniors article was difficult, because there are literally hundreds of great examples living in Western New York. After much consideration, I selected three, and the stories of each of these individuals provide a unique and inspirational look into the lives of people who are truly are the definition of super seniors — fit, active, athletic residents.
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Arthur “Bud” Johnson at a bodybuilding
competition with contestants.
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Bud Johnson
Born in Niagara Falls on October 2, 1942, Arthur “Bud” Johnson spent his most of his grammar school years as the object of jokes and ridicule, just because he was overweight. Young Bud became determined to shed the shroud of excess weight that was ruining his childhood.
This quest included mail-order purchases of a bodybuilding course by the world-renowned Charles Atlas, and soon after, a set of secondhand dumbbells. In the summer between the seventh and eighth grades, Bud diligently performed his daily weight lifting routine, and soon everything changed.
Bud kept on lifting weights and became so strong that by age 14 he could lift 300 pounds over his head. He joined the Air Force and became an athletic double threat on the weightlifting and boxing teams. He later won a gold medal for weightlifting at the Empire State Games.
After this, however, his body weight again ballooned to 260 pounds. One day he saw a notice of a weight loss contest and looked at this as another challenge. He immediately took a before photo of himself and went back to training as he did in grammar school. Down to a bodyweight of 179, Bud won first place in an international contest.
Today, married to his wife Judy, a former gymnastics instructor, Bud continues his quest for knowledge on the subjects of self-improvement and anti-aging. His current goal is to become a world-class bodybuilder.
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Jim Woods, shown here teaching a class on self-help for arthritis sufferers.
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Jim Woods
When Jim Woods approached me and volunteered to lead the senior group fitness class at the Lackawanna Senior Center, I didn’t notice his slight limp. His demeanor and physical presence were robust, but when I began his training he informed me that some of the leg exercises might be a little tricky, because he wears a prosthetic leg. His sense of humor kicked in, and while smiling broadly he said that deep knee bends would be “a little tough.” Aside from what he describes as the “minor inconvenience” of having only one leg, Jim has become an outstanding trainer in the Erie County Senior Fitness Program.
Jim’s dedication to country and community can be easily found in his background consisting of his years in military service, including a tour in Vietnam, and as a New York State Trooper. During the winter months he and his wife Carol head for the warmth of the southern sun. Even in sunny Florida, Jim’s energy and activities do not subside — he has implemented and conducts a very well-attended fitness class in his winter home complex.
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Ann Constantino, jumping rope along with
two girls at the North Buffalo Community Center.
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Ann Constantino
Ann Campisi was born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana on April 12,1922, and just celebrated her 87th birthday. But the fact is that Ann is 87 going on 37, or maybe 17. This statement may sound absurd, but how many 37-year-old females or males do you know who can jump rope on one leg? Ann Constantino can.
Observing her incredible health and level of fitness, I asked an obvious question — what’s your secret? Her response reaffirmed that there is no magic bullet or secret to vibrant health and longevity. It’s just a matter of following the basic rules for a healthy lifestyle.
She said that she never smoked or drank alcohol, and always kept her weight in check and kept moving. Now that she is retired, her immaculate, beautifully landscaped home in North Buffalo is picture-perfect, as I am sure it always was.
Her diet is and has always been Mediterranean, with an emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables and homemade pasta dishes cooked in olive oil. Standing just 5’3”, her bodyweight “never exceeded” 120 pounds, and today she weighs in at a firm and healthy 103 pounds of dynamite.
At this point in her life Ann says that being a senior fitness volunteer leading the large exercise class at the North Buffalo Community Center not only helps those who attend the workout sessions but also enhances her own personal level of amazing health and fitness.
For more, visit www.youtube.com and search “Ann Constantino” and “Mr. Fitness.”
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