Rumson Public Works Team Pumps Iron and Reduces Injuries at Navesink Fitness

Instead of kicking back with a sandwich from their favorite deli, a group of (DPW) employees are hitting the gym during their lunch breaks 5 days a week. 

They’re able to capitalize on the power of working out with friends to keep them motivated. The brainchild of DPW Superintendent Mark Wellner, a small group began working out 8 weeks ago at Navesink Fitness.

“We have had zero injuries this year in the Department of Public Works and want to keep our record going. As we get older we need to keep working and lifting the garbage cans. Working out and keeping fit helps us to avoid a lot of the strains and back injuries,” said Wellner.

Butch Kochel, who enjoys keeping fit and had never been a member of a gym before, has embraced the opportunity to lift weights with his workmates. The men have slowly encouraged more of the department to join them over the last 8 weeks.

Currently about 50% of the DPW are hitting the gym together. A recent addition to the gym group is Mike Bouthillier who joined the gym only two weeks ago.  While he is already works out at home, he said, “I push myself more when I’m with the guys.”

The results have been dramatic for Larry D’Angelo who set himself the goal of losing 25 pounds. After only two months, he says he is happy to have already achieved that goal and is now looking to keep improving his fitness level. “In the past we have people who call in sick because of small back strains or even elbow strains from lifting the garbage cans. These kinds of absences have been greatly reduced since we began to get stronger and fitter,” said D’Angelo.

Navesink Fitness is happy to be able to support the DPW guys. Mike Knox, co-owner of Navesink Fitness and a Rumson resident said, “We’re happy to be able to support our town, and these are a great group of guys.” 

The men pay for their gym memberships out of their own pockets and are grateful to Navesink Fitness for providing a discount to the group.  The men are also looking forward to the new Smoothie Bar that will open in September to provide a healthy alternative for lunch after their workout. “Navesink Fitness has great equipment and support. It has everything we could want in a gym,” said Wellner of the Atlantic Highlands facilities.

“I’m hoping to increase my fitness level and be able to move into a full time position with the DPW,” said Adam Domorski as he signed up for his first day of working out with his DPW workmates. “It makes our job easier, the fitter we are,” agrees Joe Mazzo.

For more information about Navesink Fitness, go to http://www.navesinkfitness.com/nfc/