EAST BRUNSWICK Combining physical education with interactive activities, Brunswick Square and Rutgers University’s Center for Exercise and Aging will host a series of free “RU Fit” events.
The fitness series will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Nov.13 at the Brunswick Square Mall in front of JCPenny, located at 755 State Route 18.
“I read an article, I believe in the Sentinel, about exercise programs Dr. [Susan] Kaplowitz and the department were bringing to senior centers and other senior programs. I loved the concept of the program so I contacted Kaplowitz and offered to work in collaboration with the department to bring the exercise series to the public at Brunswick Square,” said Claire Mignano, Brunswick Square’s marketing director.
Kaplowitz has been the director of the Rutgers University Department of Kinesiology and Health’s Center for Exercise and Aging for 15 years. She is a professor of Kinesiology and Health at the university, a certified personal trainer, and an older adult exercise specialist.
Kaplowitz and her students go out to the community and do exercise/health programs at senior centers, assisted living facilities, etc., according to Mignano.
“For each [day] we have a different theme. We want the people to come out and I think that everyone should have a prioritized interest in exercise, because exercise has so many benefits. We are hoping that people of all ages will attend. By coming out they will get to interact with young energetic Rutgers students and we want to put our students in a good light because they represent the local university in this area,” Kaplowitz said.
Each day of the program will begin with exercise, according to Mignano.
On Oct. 30, the session “What are the Modes of Fitness” will be presented by Kathi Gladis, an adjunct professor at Rutgers’ Department of Kinesiology and Health, as well as the fitness director at The Club at Ricochet in South Plainfield. Free fitness assessments will also be provided, according to Mignano.
Rutgers students will be on hand to talk to participants one-on-one about various fitness issues. There will be prizes and giveaways at each event as well, according to a prepared statement from Brunswick Square.
On Nov. 6, the session “How is Your Balance?” will be presented by Dr. Emil Manfredonia, where attendees will listen to a mini lecture and benefit from free demonstrations and balance tests. Manfredonia is an adjunct professor at Rutgers as well as the owner of a physical therapy company, Home Sweet Home, according to Mignano.
This is the first year the center is hosting this event series, according to Kaplowitz.
On Nov. 13, the session “Exercising at Home” will be presented by Catalina Chesny, the assistant director of the Center for Exercise and Aging. Attendees will learn about tactile manipulatives and discover techniques to use at home. Chesny holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and is a certified EMT, according to Mignano.
“Brunswick Square is excited to partner with Rutgers University to present the upcoming series of events,” Mignano said in a prepared statement. “As a central place for the community to gather, we invite everyone to take advantage of these free, educational and interactive events at Brunswick Square.”
“East Brunswick is my hometown and I have been to [Brunswick Square Mall] a thousand times. By hosting this event it is a two-way street, because our students will gain more experience by talking to more people in the community of all ages and the mall will show its commitment to helping the community it serves, so it’s a wonderful opportunity,” Kaplowitz said.
For more information about Brunswick Square’s fall events, call 732-238-3600 or visit www.shopbrunswicksquare.com.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
