Fitness
Are you looking to make long lasting changes in your health or physique? At Longfellow, we know results come from consistent and progressive workouts. We offer traditional machine-based equipment as well as functional training pieces that allow and encourage three-dimensional movement and working multiple muscles/muscle groups at the same time. We also stock a wide variety including stability balls, kettlebells, medicine balls, and balance tools. We have over 5,000 square feet of fitness space at Wayland and 13,000 square feet at Natick. Our fitness areas also supply a variety of cardio pieces and a 30-foot turf strip, making it easy and convenient to add in some cardio bursts to intensify any workout.
Meet the Directors
PAUL LASKA
WAYLAND DIRECTOR - DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & MASTER TRAINER
Education:
- has worked for Longfellow since 1988
- MS, Administration, Springfield College
- BS, Physical Education, Springfield College
- U.S. Army: Honorably discharged 1989
Certifications:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- NASM Youth Exercise Specialist
- NASM Senior Fitness Specialist
- Personal Trainer/Fitness Consultant, AHA
- CPR/First Aid AED/First Responder
Background:
- 20 years of experience as certified personal trainer
- Junior and Senior strength training
- Physical Education Teacher
- US Army officer: AG and Infantry corps
- Buyer/Planner Honeywell International
Philosophy:
"Fear is what stops you…courage is what keeps you going!"
SARAH KRUEGER
NATICK CO-DIRECTOR OF FITNESS, MASTER TRAINER
Background
- Joined Longfellow staff in 1987
- AA – Communications
Certifications
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Specialty Training and Experience
- NASM Low Back Injury Prevention
- NASM Predictive Factors and Solutions for ACL Injuries
- NASM Strategies for Forward Head and Shoulder Posture
- Optimum Performance Training (OPT) for Fat Loss
- OPT for Maximum Hypertrophy
Personal Message
“Throughout the years, I have trained individuals of varying fitness levels with a range of fitness goals. My specialty is women over 35 and seniors.”
DAN SALERNO
NATICK CO-DIRECTOR OF FITNESS, MASTER TRAINER
Background
- Joined Longfellow staff in 2003
- MS – Exercise Science; BS – Health and Wellness
Certifications
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
- NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
- NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) – Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Barefoot Training Specialist (EBFA)
Specialty Training and Experience
- Optimum Performance Training (OPT) for Weight Loss
- OPT for Golf
- OPT for Youth Fitness
- OPT for Corrective Exercise for the Shoulder, Knee, and Lower Back
- Performance Coach for NEAOT (New England Academy of Tennis)
- Spartan (Race) Group Exercise (SGX) Coach
- Has completed over 30 obstacle races ranging from 5k to 14 mile courses over the past 4 years
Personal Philosophy
“If you can believe it, you can achieve it"
Personal Training
Personal training at the Longfellow Health Clubs provides individual coaching and support to ensure you’ll meet your fitness goals. If you are new to the gym and unsure of where to begin or looking to take your workout to a new level, a personal trainer can provide the guidance and motivation you need to reach that next level of fitness.
Our personal trainers are highly skilled and receive superior training in the science of fitness through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification. If you’re just beginning your wellness journey, a personal trainer will help you identify your goals and then help you develop a routine that leads to success. Your trainer will also help you learn proper technique to avoid injury and strain, and point you in the direction of classes and training that you’ll enjoy and commit to. Our top priority is to help you reach your goals in a fun and inspiring atmosphere.
Our trainers will make an individualized plan that works for you and includes exactly what you need to do to help you reach your goals. They will guide you and provide the support and accountability needed to achieve those goals. One-on-one personal training is available for both members and non-members.
Fitness Consultations
When you become a member of The Longfellow Health Clubs, you receive our Longfellow Fitness Consultation package. The package includes two 60-minute consultations, one at the beginning of your membership and a follow-up at your three month mark. Each Fitness Consultation is an in-depth health screening to ensure every member finds a safe and effective way to exercise and includes the following:
- A cardiovascular assessment to evaluate how efficiently your heart and lungs function during exercise.
- Flexibility and strength limitation testing.
- Muscular endurance testing.
- Evaluation of blood pressure and resting heart rate.
- Total body measurements.
- Body composition analysis.
The above measurements provide a fitness baseline for you that will demonstrate to you the improvement you are making toward better health through your Longfellow fitness program. The Longfellow Fitness and Nutrition Consultations have proven to be an important benefit to Longfellow members because it establishes a baseline of fitness measurements that assists the Longfellow staff in creating a customized exercise program that helps you achieve your health goals.
Youth Fitness
Please remember to follow the Longfellow Health Clubs policy for your children in the club.
- Children must be 14 years old or older to use the upstairs fitness rooms.
- Children between the ages of 8-13 years old must have completed Longfellow’s cardio training (CARDIO ONLY- Complimentary) or youth training program (paid personal training) to use downstairs fitness room ONLY.
- Children under 10 years old always need an adult to be supervising them in the club everywhere.
- Children 10-13 years old need to have an adult present in the club when the children are here.
Youth Fitness Programs
- Youth Strength Training Program: This program consists of three, 45 minute, training sessions that focus on teaching your child the proper technique and basic knowledge of each piece of equipment, as well as promoting safe exercise habits. Your child will learn how to use bands, tubing, medicine balls, light free-weights and their own body weight to stay active.
- Youth Cardio Orientation: This is a complimentary 15-minute session for children who wish to use the cardio room. The instructor will determine which cardio equipment your child can use. To sign up, please email Daniel Cadet for Natick or Paul Laska for Wayland.