SEASPAR Offers New Programs in Weight Training and Power Lifting

Editor's note: The following is a press release from SEASPAR. 

SEASPAR is pleased to offer two programs specifically for individuals with disabilities who are interested in improving their health and increasing strength through working out with weights. The Weight Training program will soon begin its second season, while the Powerlifting program hopes to attract these athletes and others to the competitive side of weight lifting.

Lifting 

Powerlifting is one of the fastest-growing sports offered by Special Olympics Illinois, and SEASPAR will now be offering the sport as one of its athletic programs. Powerlifting athletes, regardless of body type and current health, will learn that much of the discipline in sustaining healthy lifestyles comes from within; and with the help of the coaches, will become second nature.

Athletes will work on their flexibility, endurance, strength, and learn proper technique for the bench press and dead lift as two of the competitive lifts at Special Olympics. The program is open to ages 16 and up, regardless of experience, strength, gender, and ability.

Practices will not only focus on the actual lifts, but also on general and specific exercise plans, designed to bolster individuals’ strengths and weaknesses, as they move towards a healthier lifestyle. Regardless of the competition results in the end, the participants will be rewarded for their participation and dedication.

“I want our SEASPAR Special Olympics program to be the spearhead in creating a culture of health and wellness amongst all our SEASPAR participants,” stated Recreation Specialist Aaron Hirthe.

“Powerlifting is a sport that will exemplify this philosophy. This program will hopefully become a year-round offering at SEASPAR, and will grow to encompass other aspects of this ‘culture of well-being’amongst our athletes and participants. We look forward to the success of the program and future expansion of our SEASPAR Special Olympics programming.”

Weight Training

The SEASPAR Weight Training program just concluded a successful fall session, with the winter/spring session gearing up to start on Feb. 9, running through May 3. The program is held at the Lisle Community Center from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Staff members complete training/workout logs each week to keep track of each participant’s progress and weight loss.

Participants in the last session each gained a tremendous amount of strength and lost weight in the process, all stating that they were watching their diets a bit more. One participant was able to lift three times the amount he was able to lift at the beginning of the program. Each person had take-home exercises, allowing them to continue exercising in the comforts of their homes.

Participants gained knowledge on how to use workout machines and learned proper lifting techniques. The program begins with a 10-minute elliptical or treadmill workout, followed by training with weight machines and free weights.

Participant Ryan Burke, of Western Springs, said “I learned the proper way to lift weights and the proper way to use the weightmachines.” All participants said they enjoyed the program, learned how to work out properly, and planto participate in the upcoming session.

Program instructor Brian Houzenga commented, “This is a great program. I could actually track each person’s weekly progress. It was eye opening to see how much more each person is lifting now in comparison to the beginning of the season.”

SEASPAR provides year-round recreation services for individuals with disabilities and is an extension of the park districts of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, LaGrange, LaGrange Park, Lisle, Westmont, and Woodridge, and the villages of Brookfield, Indian Head Park and Western Springs.For further information, contact SEASPAR at 630/960-7600 (voice) or 630/960-7605 (TDD) or visitwww.SEASPAR.org.