GREENWICH — On Tuesday’s cool morning, a group of women in activewear came up around the bend at Cos Cob Park to wrap up their last MeFit session.
They were chatting, laughing and talking about their FitBit Zips — electronic fitness and health trackers clipped to their clothing — which were made available to them courtesy of the Greenwich Senior Center, on their way to reconvene and celebrate completing the center’s six-week fitness program.
The Fitbits “clock our mileage, our steps,” said Barbara Mould. “It’s great because I had one but never used it, and since this class started, I use it every day.”
Suzanne Testani, the center’s program coordinator, said that the decision to buy the Fitbit Zips is an effort to bring state-of-the-art programming to Greenwich residents. The center bought each teardrop-shaped Zip for $65.
At the end of the step-based program Tuesday, participants were able to purchase the Zips they used for a discounted price, $25, or return them to the center for future program use.
Clad in a bright pink top with matching leggings, Lete Miranda said she didn’t focus too much on the technological aspect of the program. Miranda focused on how she felt energized by being part of the exercise group.
“I have (a Fitbit) at home as well and I sort of know how it works,” Miranda said when she came up the pathway at the front parking lot with Dottie Brower. “But I was always looking forward to coming with the ladies (and Program Coordinator) Suzanne (Testani) — I feel like I’m chillaxing when I go.
“I feel stronger,” she said, “more motivated.”
Motivation came for Kathy Cullen in facing the challenge of healing after injury, without pushing her limits.
“I had to beg my doctor to join this group,” said Cullen, who came up the bend with a baseball cap and sweatshirt. “I had (rotator cuff) surgery in April.”
Peg Hroziencik said keeping active at any age is important. In addition to participating in MeFit, she swims with Mould at the YMCA and YWCA, and walks almost three miles with her church regularly.
“Even a short walk,” Hroziencik said, “keep moving every day. Try to do something.”
The hour-long class, which began at 9:15 each Tuesday morning, was inspired by studies that show group exercise yields positive results, Testani said. MeFit complements other group classes she teaches at the Senior Center.
“It’s nice to get together with a group of women,” Brower said. “We laugh and we talk. We have fun.”
Before Cos Cob Park, the group walked at Bruce Park, around the Havemeyer Park track, and at the Senior Center this summer — with terrains increasing in difficulty as the program progressed.
“We had some guests who brought their (grandchildren),” Testani said reflecting on the program. “We let people walk their own pace ... It’s just another way for Greenwich residents of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.”
