ABOUT TOWN  
 

by Sibyl Farson

TONY LORRICH - CREATOR OF SENIOR BOOT CAMP
 
Not many people believe seniors can get in shape just by sitting in a chair, unless, of course, they have met Fitness Trainer Tony Lorrich, or happen upon his educational website www.strongerlife.org.

Tony admits, in 1980, when he started managing for Jack La Lanne on the Beverly Hills Fitness Club circuit he had a different sensibility. Back then, the "no pain…no gain" theory was in full throttle. Over time, however, Tony began having marvelous success gently helping seniors overcome serious problems: most notably, one 88-year-old man who could not walk without the assistance of his caregiver and a cane. After only four months with Tony, the Whittier, CA octogenarian could not only walk unassisted but took an extended visit to Israel.

When word spread about Tony, who by then was calling himself "Tony’s No Baloney Fitness," children of seniors brought their parents to see him. This action perhaps saved the life of one 84-year-old woman. Two and a half months into her training, she fell down a 70-foot embankment while gardening. By the time the fire department arrived, she had WALKED back up the hill, on her own. She explained to the astonished rescue crew, that her sessions with Tony Lorrich had taught her how to relax, roll, and tuck herself into a fetal position if she ever fell. In addition, she felt her bones had become stronger and joints more flexible.

During this same period, the State of California Compensation Board contacted the fitness trainer about working with a man who had recently emerged from a three-year coma. The client spoke little English, and the experience moved Tony to envision starting a non-profit organization that might help seniors world-wide with the challenges of movement and body positioning unique to their needs. In 2010, Tony took his soft-approach program to Mexico. Using an interpreter and his own DVD he called "Please Be Seated…" he has enjoyed many successes south of the border. Perhaps his sweetest triumph, though, was converting the Mayor’s wife of Hermosillo, Mexico who felt that to exercise in a chair was a sign of weakness. After trying the program herself, she became its most ardent supporter and has even encouraged him to set up local workshops to train teachers in his methods (CAT: Chair Aerobics Trainees).

STRONGER LIFE, INC. is a dream fulfilled for 60-year-old Tony Lorrich whose conversation is peppered with affirmations like "It’s never too late," and "Live at your optimum, as long as you live."

Realizing that many people might gain inspiration from an immersion program, Tony has now partnered with the world class retreat, Glen Ivy Spa in Corona, for a three day Boot Camp for Seniors on April, 19, 20 & 21 called Miracles from Muscles in Motion. The rate of $599.00 will include group and private fitness training sessions, 9 meals, sleeping accommodations, and a gift basket. A one-day package is also available. More information is available on his website: www.strongerlife.org.