Special K’s Are Part of a
Complete Fitness Regimen
KleinLife and the Kaiserman are
oases of athleticism for active adults.

t 81, Norty Levine plays basketball three times a week at KleinLife
— then works out the other days.

At 83, Estelle Pomerantz, who used to teach the preschoolers at
the Kaiserman JCC — and now sees many of them bringing their
own children there — takes stretching classes.

Throughout both buildings, you’ll find men and women of all
ages — but particularly 55 and up — doing whatever they can to
stay in shape. Their mindset is just because they may be retired or
winding down in their careers, doesn’t mean their minds and bodies
are ready to pack it in.

“The most important thing at this age is to keep moving,” said
Pomerantz, who worked at Kaiserman from 1983 until she retired
two years ago. “The exercise I do is very important, plus I meet some
people I already know and have met some others. I know a lot of
people in the area because I taught here so long.”
For her and many others, the Jewish Community Center is a
place of refuge; sort of their home away from home. The workouts,
A 6
DECEMBER 17, 2015
JON MARKS | JE STAFF
the physical activity are only a part of it. There’s also the opportunity
to connect with peers, whether it’s to have meaningful conversations
or simply to shoot the breeze on sports, politics or what have you
without being interrupted by children or grandchildren.

“That social piece is just as important as the fitness part,” said
Marti Berk, director of community engagement at Kaiserman, who
handles all aspects of membership and marketing. “It’s that healthy
mind, healthy body concept. We have a café up front. They’ll sit out
there and have a nosh afterwards. I grew up in Lancaster. I very
much wish there was a place like this for my dad in Lancaster — he
sits in a La-Z-Boy all day.”
In dramatic contrast, Norty Levine plays hoops. Lots of hoops.

He’s been coming to the Klein for 35 years, during which time he
says the level of play has improved significantly now that more and
more non-Jews are taking the court.

THE GOOD LIFE
See Fitness, Page 8
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM