Slim in the Gym and Cool by the Pool

Slim in the Gym and Cool by the Pool

J Member Len Estis Gives Generously to Park Heights Fitness Center

Lenny Estis has been a member of the J since the Weinberg Park Heights JCC building opened in 1963. Over the years, he has utilized the J primarily for fitness and the Rosenbloom Owings Mills facilities for the pools at the Shapiro Aquatics Park.

The J, for Lenny, is a place where he’s developed many relationships. “The exercise is good here,” he says, “but the best part of coming to the J is forming friendships.”

the best part of coming to the J is forming friendships

Lenny, 86, has had a world of wonderful memories and experiences at the J.

For so many of those years Lenny has served as an advocate for fellow members, advancing member suggestions for fitness center improvements to the J’s executive team.  Be they steam room repairs or innovations to the health and wellness facilities, Lenny has always been at the forefront of change.

Lenny loves his workouts and his workout equipment, and he loves to share the latter with others.  He is incredibly generous with workout machines he likes; in fact, he donates them – brand new – to the J.  Lenny’s first gift to the J was the donation of two-45 lb. rubberized bumper plates for lifting. Later, Lenny donated two heavily-trafficked machines, the Smith Machine (for vertical lifting) in 1999, and an Iso-Lateral Incline Press Machine in 2004.  These machines are still in use at the Park Heights J.

Born in Philadelphia in 1930, Lenny served in the Navy for four years during the Korean War before settling into a career as an engraver. He was very much in love with his beautiful wife Harriett (deceased) and the two of them bore three children – daughters Ava and Linda — and son Kevin.

Today, Lenny works out the Park Heights J regularly and, right alongside the J’s fitness instructors, is always eager to lend a helping hand and demonstrate proper form for those who require assistance.  Catch Lenny lifting light weights and free weights in Park Heights this summer. If he’s not there, check out the pool in Owings Mills — he might be off for a dip in one of our cool outdoor pools.