Meet the Team
The Trainers
Dan Cenidoza is the author of the SAS program. He has more than a decade of experience in strength and conditioning and senior fitness. Dan started working a retirement community the same year he won the Maryland Strongest Man contest, which gave him a very unique perspective of health, strength and longevity. Currently Dan owns and operates Art & Strength training studio in Perry Hall and still teaches a weekly mobility class at the retirement community he started his career at. His gym services individuals of a diverse background with ages ranging from 14-70, everyone from martial artists to mothers in maternity. Dan holds a degree in Exercise Science from Towson University and is a husband and father of 5 children.
Thomas Bruns is a Maryland licensed physical therapist. Thomas graduated from the University of Maryland at Baltimore with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He has extensive clinical experience in the outpatient setting where he has worked with post-surgical patients, acute injuries, chronic pain syndromes, balance limitations, reduced endurance, and work related injuries. Prior to obtaining his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Thomas was a strength and conditioning coach and a personal trainer in the geriatric population. Thomas is the clinical supervisor of the SAS Program and director of research.
The Participants
Malissa Ruffner first started weight training in 2006, just over age 50, using a low-weight, high rep program. She stuck with it for over five years but got bored. For some reason, she fixed on kettlebells although she didn't know much about them. She looked specifically for kettlebell training and found Art & Strength in April of 2013. Her motivation to start was early signs of bone loss and a family history of osteoporosis. Malissa has documented improvement of bone density (BMD) within 2 years of training.
In her own words, "Kettlebells is a much more time-efficient and fun workout for me. I've been able see my progress. It's a great cardio workout too. My heart rate really soars when I am swinging. I am much more aware of my posture and increased core strength. I love swinging heavy weight and enjoy seeing the looks on other people's faces when I tell them about it. I've demonstrated RKC technique in more than one doctor's office."
In her own words, "Kettlebells is a much more time-efficient and fun workout for me. I've been able see my progress. It's a great cardio workout too. My heart rate really soars when I am swinging. I am much more aware of my posture and increased core strength. I love swinging heavy weight and enjoy seeing the looks on other people's faces when I tell them about it. I've demonstrated RKC technique in more than one doctor's office."
Michelle started weight training at age 49. Working with a personal trainer her routines consisted of light cardio, free weights, and weight machines three to four times a week. Her body fat went from 25% to 18% in 7 months but her strength kicked into high gear when she turned 60 and discovered kettlebells! Michelle was 62 when she deadlifted 201 pounds. She started working out because she realized menopause was coming soon. At 49 she had been a vegan for 3 years and her quest for being healthy lead her to research what needed to be done to prepare for the coming years of maturity.
"I have accomplished the ability to build muscle and control my weight. My bone density improved thereby minimizing and probably eliminating osteoporosis. My desire to stay off the road of dis-ease continues to be powered by my mind. I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God mentally and physically."
"I have accomplished the ability to build muscle and control my weight. My bone density improved thereby minimizing and probably eliminating osteoporosis. My desire to stay off the road of dis-ease continues to be powered by my mind. I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God mentally and physically."
Paula Espinosa started training at age 51 as per her doctors recommendation. She found out that she was very close to osteoporosis and had all of the risk factors associated with it. When she first started, she found it hard to do even a single body weight squat. It took about 6 months to a year before she could make it through an entire class without stopping. Now she can squat with an additional 50+lbs and her best deadlift is 190lb. As of her last bone density scan, Paula's spine has improved to within the normal range and her hip and neck of femur move closer and closer toward normal.
"Accomplished is the best word to describe how I feel about my strength training. It's #1 on my retirement plan because I can't afford to be weak or break a bone. When I see other women my age limping, short of breath climbing a flight of stairs and unable to change the office water cooler bottle, I am grateful that I am continually challenged to be better than myself."
"Accomplished is the best word to describe how I feel about my strength training. It's #1 on my retirement plan because I can't afford to be weak or break a bone. When I see other women my age limping, short of breath climbing a flight of stairs and unable to change the office water cooler bottle, I am grateful that I am continually challenged to be better than myself."
Wanda Sweitzer started weight training at the age of 57 because she noticed that she didn't have the upper body strength that she had when she was younger. Soon she became pleasantly surprised of how strong she was becoming and how much more endurance and energy she had. Not only did her fitness improve, but Wanda's DEXA scan showed improvements in her bone mineral density (BMD) within 2 years.
"I feel really good about who I am and where I am in my life. I am thankful for the strength I have and am looking forward to getting stronger."
"I feel really good about who I am and where I am in my life. I am thankful for the strength I have and am looking forward to getting stronger."