Colonie
Barbara-Jean Heinbach[1] can't say enough about the benefits of exercise.
With a family history of severe arthritis, Heinbach suffered from chronic pain for years. It was only after her doctor recommended exercise that she found a measure of relief.
Heinbach, a life member of the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department ladies auxiliary for nearly 30 years, decided to share this revelation with others by starting an exercise program at the station.
What started as a few classes here and there five years ago has evolved into a comprehensive course catalog with offerings both day and night.
"When my doctor asked if I ever tried exercise, it was so simple, but I couldn't believe how much it helped me," said Heinbach, who volunteers as the department's health and wellness exercise administrator in addition to working full time as a business analyst for Statewide Financial System[2] . "It really opened my eyes to the benefits of exercise and how different you can feel."
Last week, Heinbach and other Zumba enthusiasts wore bells and festive accoutrements as they jingled and jangled their way through instructor Tracy Cipriani[3] 's holiday-themed workout, when fall classes came to a close. A new round of programming for all ages begins in January, including low-impact daytime stretching, gentle yoga, Wednesday wellness, Thursday morning fitness, relaxation, Zumba for adults and children, a get-fired-up fitness boot camp and a baby boot camp.
Fire department President Robert Stiffen[4] gave Heinbach the green light to hold some classes in the station's newly renovated social hall, with parking available off Maria Drive.
Members of the ladies auxiliary regularly volunteer to act as "sitters" during classes, responsible for opening and closing the hall and signing in participants.
When Zumba moms suggested they could use help with childcare, teens from the department's Explorers Program — which trains and educates young members about firefighting under the supervision of advisers — stepped up to baby-sit.
With department members volunteering to help keep overhead costs low, classes led by certified instructors are offered at a reasonable rate — about $5 per session. Prospective participants can try them for free.
"I can't do any of these things alone, and members here really help out a lot," said Heinbach, who brings her message of wellness to other fire departments. "These guys get up in the middle of the night to help their community, so the least I can do is help them improve their health and wellness."
Firefighting and volunteerism run in the Heinbach family. Barbara-Jean's husband, Chip, serves on the department's board of directors, and their sons, Christopher and CJ, are also members.
Heinbach's goal for the new year is to get more people enrolled in classes, especially those held during the day. She would also like to see more firefighters sign up.
Heart disease is the most frequent cause of death among firefighters, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information[5] . In addition, cardiovascular events, largely due to coronary heart disease, account for 45 percent of deaths among firefighters on the job.
"It makes me feel so good to hear success stories from people like Mick, a firefighter who couldn't turn his pack on before taking a class," Heinbach said. "I just love to help people however I can."
jpatterson@timesunion.com[6] • @JenSPatterson • 518-454-5340
References
- ^ Barbara-Jean Heinbach (www.timesunion.com)
- ^ Statewide Financial System (www.timesunion.com)
- ^ Tracy Cipriani (www.timesunion.com)
- ^ Robert Stiffen (www.timesunion.com)
- ^ National Center for Biotechnology Information (www.timesunion.com)
- ^ jpatterson@timesunion.com (www.timesunion.com)
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