WORKING AT PHYSICAL FITNESS PILOT PROGRAM BENEFITS CSUN MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES.

Byline: Lisa M. Sodders Staff Writer

NORTHRIDGE - They're not centerfold models - yet - but maintenance workers at California State University, Northridge, are working on their ``six-packs'' and biceps in an effort to lose weight and improve their fitness levels.

Under a pilot exercise program devised by kinesiology professor Steven Loy, 28 physical plant employees are working crunches, pull-ups and squats into their daily routines.

Administrative analyst Darryl Johnson said the exercise regimen has already improved his overall fitness.

``It gives me a new morning start,'' he said. ``I've noticed better flexibility and my energy (level) is very good.''

The idea for the program grew out of previous research projects by Loy, who has developed fitness programs for the Los Angeles Fire Department and is helping campus librarians build muscle by hefting canned goods at their desks.

While the firefighters focused on improving flexibility, strength and endurance, the CSUN workers' primary goal was weight loss, so Loy encouraged them to walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week, in addition to regular gym workouts.

``In both programs, there was a significant improvement in fitness - muscular strength and endurance,'' he said.

Under the pilot program, university employees work out on Total Gym equipment three times a week for 30 minutes, Loy said. Those who want to lose weight are encouraged to add 30 to 60 minutes of walking, five to six days a week.

Loy's students conducted initial fitness assessments of the employees in September, then trained them how to use the gym apparatus. The employees, who range in age from their 20s to 70s and perform a variety of jobs, will be assessed again in mid-December.

Loy described the project as a win-win situation for everyone.

University employees get help designing a fitness plan that works with their fitness levels, and students get to do research with real people of varying ages and fitness levels.

``It's an excellent demonstration of what we as a university can do for the community around us,'' Loy said.

And though the university workers are using gym equipment to get into shape, Loy said there are many ways to improve fitness levels. The key is regular exercise.

``You have to be willing to do it, and enjoy what you're doing,'' Loy said. ``If you don't, you're not going to do it, not for the long term.''

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2 photos

Photo:

(1) Steven Loy, wellness coordinator for the Los Angeles Fire Department and CSUN kinesiologist, demonstrates on Thursday how to operate an exercise machine that is used by workers at the office of the university's physical plant.

(2) Administrative analyst Darryl Johnson works out on the equipment for workers in CSUN plant's storage building.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer