Local 92-year-old man uses Bowling Green Parks and Rec Fitness center to stay fit

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – When you think of someone in their 90s, you’d think that they’re enjoying a well-deserved relaxation after all they’ve experienced over the years.

However, local Bowling Green resident, 92-year-old Satpal Johar, is up every day at the Bowling Green Parks and Recreations Fitness Center, attending multiple classes a day.

For 16 years, he has been coming to classes daily while also walking around the Greenwood Mall.

He first caught Fitness Supervisor Frank LaManna’s eye when he saw how may classes he was participating in at his age, and LaManna had to hear his story.

“He was looking for something to do, and he had heard about Bowling Green and Parks and recreation and our exercise classes. So he decided to come down and check it out. And he liked what he was doing and figured he has nothing else to do. So he might as well exercise and stay healthy,” LaManna said.

Each day for 16 years Johar has participated in classes like chair yoga and cardio to maintain his health.

Not only does he enjoy the classes, but he also likes all aspects of the Fitness Center, especially the relationship and bonds he has formed.

“Everybody cares for each and every one. And, I love this place. And Mr. Frank, Bonita, Derek. Everyone is good, staff is good. And even the people, ” Johar said.

Bonita Dearbone has been a fitness instructor with Parks and Rec for ten years and has spent a lot of time with Johar.

When she first started, their class had only five people. Since then, the class has grown to have a community of over 60.

The bonds and friendships they have formed in their classes has made them into one big family with Johar being like the groups patriarch.

“I remember the first day that I came here was one of the first people that was, in my class, and was a handful at first,” Dearbone said. “It was him and like maybe four other people. So it was it’s kind of nice to see how the program has evolved since in this past decade. ”

At 92 years old, Johar remains active every day and never misses a workout.

When asked how long he would keep this up, he simply said, “As long as my health allows I will be coming. Still walking, talking and eating good.”