You've probably seen them around town working out in some shape or fashion. Whether it is at the Jamestown or Lakewood YMCA, outside or at school, the Dolce family of Jamestown definitely knows what constitutes a healthy, active lifestyle.
Tony and Anne Dolce, along with children Amelia and Christian, have fitness on their minds every day.
From running, cycling, and swimming to racquetball, weightlifting, and aerobic exercise, the entire family makes wellness a habit and always feel better after exercising.
Article Photos
From left to right, the Dolce family — Tony, Christian, Anne and Amelia — takes a break from their busy schedules for a family picture at the Jamestown YMCA.
Dolce, a social studies teacher at Jamestown High School since 1982 and city councilman for the last 17 years, believes in staying in shape for longevity and productivity.
"For us, being a part of the Y is a place to stay connected and a feeling of community," said Dolce. "It has become a lifestyle and who we are today."
Mrs. Dolce, band director and chairperson of the health and safety committee at Panama Central School, uses her workouts as a stress reliever and friendship builder.
"When you walk into the Y, you forget about the stresses of the day," said Mrs. Dolce. "Exercise is a mental thing for me, and it keeps me focused. We want that attitude to be passed down to our children and theirs in the future."
Amelia, an eighth-grader, and Christian, a sixth-grade student at Washington Middle School, are becoming more independent and enjoy the time they spend on physical activity.
Amelia plays tennis, racquetball, and likes to swim and use the cardiovascular and nautilus machines at the Y, while Christian likes the treadmill and elliptical machine and used to play youth basketball at the YMCA.
As a whole, the family participates in the Y community races, has attended family nights at the Jamestown YMCA, and are strong participants and volunteers in the YMCA Battle of the Businesses.
Also, they have added eating healthier to their regiment by staying away from snacks and concentrating on salmon, chicken, and fresh produce.
When asked about advice for newcomers to fitness, the two parents had some words of wisdom.
"It is not an overnight process," said Mrs. Dolce. "It is like brushing your teeth it is a daily routine and I consider it (working out) as my hour."
"For me, it is a way of life forever," said Dolce. "It is hard to do it by yourself, and the Y has helped me by bringing me back for more. The results will come, but people have to be patient."
Be on the lookout for the Dolce family this season on their new Giant cross training bikes.