Fitness center helps veterans heal physically, emotionally

Patriot Fitness has given Charlie Till new life.

The 70-year-old Navy veteran was enduring problems with his legs until the fitness program funded by the nonprofit Double Tap Foundation started to whip him into shape.

"I'm walking better and my balance is better," Till said. "When I first started coming I didn't believe I was in a position to have enough energy to pull it off."

The Patriot Fitness program at Andrew's Strength and Performance (ASAP) gym in Coeur d'Alene offers free personal training for about 50 veterans.

“Doing exercises and spending quality time with a trainer is wonderful physically, but it also does a lot for the mental side," Till said. "I've seen a lot of progression among comrades."

Till said the Department of Veterans Affairs also offers physical therapy, but not to the personal extent that the Patriot program offers.

"With just the sheer mass of people, they can't give you this close attention," he said while performing stretches with Patriot director and trainer Lauren Ketner.

Till works out at ASAP three times a week.

"She's helping me regain my youth," Till said. "It's really helped my mobility. She challenges me as far as stretching muscles that don't work very well. I'm twice as stable as when I started a few months ago."

Ketner said it's a joy to watch veterans progress and become stronger. Many of the vets are disabled.

"We like to get them moving again because, when people work out, they are happier," she said. "I love what I do by helping them. Most don't talk about their war experience, but you really get to know them on a personal level."

Trainer Matthew Hunter said giving the vets a hand up is rewarding.

"We need to support those who go (into service) regardless of our views of war, politics or who is president," he said. "These people signed up to protect our freedom and that's what matters."

The programs vary for each veteran. Some perform mostly stretches. Others have weight training routines. Nutrition coaching is also offered.

Till, who is involved with Disabled American Veterans, said he gets pumped up for the program.

"Usually they have great head-banging music going on that makes you want to work harder," he said with a smile. "We have a lot of fun."

Ketner said her motivation is to serve those who have served.

"Helping them feel better is the least I can do," she said. "I love what I do and helping them."

Ketner's focus is on the older generation of veterans, while Hunter works with many younger vets.

Motivation isn't an issue with the vets, Hunter said.

"They're driven, make it happen and stick to it," he said. "I may have 14 people here before 8 a.m. When they're asked to get up, they get up."

Hunter said there's a healing effect that comes with exercising.

"I often hear that beer is cheaper than therapy, but three of my vets cut drinking down to two days a week," he said. "Some have come off of heavy doses of antidepressants and that's huge."

Hunter said he hopes a support group sprouts from the training program.

"It can be hard to talk to people," he said. "Through all the trauma, they may not want to talk to others who don't understand, but that is how brotherhood is made. It's proof that people thrive with their tribe. We want to create an environment that's healthy for our veterans, not just to come here and work out."

The Las Vegas-based Double Tap Foundation was started this year by veteran R.T. Smith. Its vice president, Kristina Kropf, who lives in Hayden, said Patriot Fitness is off to a great start, from the trainers to the facility.

"This is our niche," Kropf said. "When you listen to stories about veterans with PTSD, I get choked up on how it changes lives. I believe in it wholeheartedly."

Workouts are only part of what veterans need, Hunter said.

"We hope to be a hub to other connections," he said.

One veteran, for example, is an investor who can assist other veterans, he said.

Ketner said that since the program is new there hasn't been a formal application process, but they may have to cap the number of veterans in the program at around 60.

"We want to do more classes so we can help as many as possible," she said.

Till said he hasn't looked back since pursuing the Patriot program.

"It's not easy, but it's worth it," Till said. "I'm bribed with a protein drink when I'm done."

Andrew’s Strength and Performance is located at 250 W. Kathleen Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.

Info: https://www.asapgym.com