Wilmington fitness expert introduces programs for seniors, firefighters and skiers

“Focus on what you can do but know what you cannot,” White said, explaining that is his mantra as he prefers a creative approach. 

Bodymechanix is an umbrella program for several different fitness programs specializing in a Firefighter program called FireForce, a Forever Young program, working with student athletes in the summer and a ski program in late fall.

White has extensive background in athletics as he was the sports medicine director in the 1996, 2002, and 2006 Olympics for the US Skeleton Team, a sliding sport in which the athlete lays face first on a small sled. He worked with 58 racers and spent two and a half years training them to go on to win two gold medals and one silver medal.

Originally from Malden, White moved to Wilmington in 1999. White has a masters degree in physical therapy, received his strength and conditioning certification and achieved certification as an athletic trainer in 1997 after volunteering at Harvard University.

Individualized training

“In our strength training programs, we work as a group but individualize the training to adjust for any medical conditions as well as their level of ability,” said White. 

He was working with a woman who had shoulder surgery and could not use that part of her body for a few weeks. White worked on strengthening her hips, legs, and even wrists using Silly Putty to keep them strong while she was resting her shoulder.

Unique to White is the Forever Young program, which is for people aged 60 years and older to work on balance and bring back their capabilities. Seniors in the program last week worked on parts of the body that have practical use, White said, such as working on balance and reach to then be able to reach things on shelves at home while maintaining their balance.

“By improving your overall flexibility, strength, and balance you are able to do more with your day to day activities, and most importantly, maintain independence with greater confidence,” White said.

Other programs

The ski program gets people ready to begin skiing again by focusing on endurance and agility. These classes are focused specifically on muscles and parts of the body used during skiing so people will get the most out of their lift tickets this winter.

White also has a firefighter program for those on worker’s compensation or disability. He trains these firefighters in the gym as well as using weighted tires, sledgehammers and ropes outside simulating scenarios they may encounter back on the job. He is currently working with the Firefighters Union on a preventative program so firefighters can stay in top shape and stay safe on the job.

White was proud to work with the Wilmington Recreation Department, High School Athletic Department as well as RMA Fitness. He brings his Olympic background and enthusiasm for sports medicine to use innovative ways to rehabilitate and train athletes and everyday people alike.

For more information on any of these programs contact White’s Physical Therapy at 978-658-5556.