At 67 years young, Lee Kamentsky is a shining example of how age is just a number when it comes to pursuing fitness and adventure.
After retiring in June 2022, Lee embarked on a 700-mile hike along the northern section of the Appalachian Trail, setting a high bar for endurance and perseverance. His hiking adventures are a testament to his commitment to staying active, and he’s already conquered the first 1,998 miles of the trail. In just a couple of weeks, he’s heading back to complete the final 200 miles.
When Lee first joined Graviton, his main goal was to improve his cardio fitness to better handle his hikes. What he discovered, however, were a host of unexpected benefits. “You’re carrying a backpack [on the trail]... and I had a lot of upper body and general core weakness” he says. “That improved so much [once I started] at Graviton and I had a much more comfortable experience with the pack.”
One of Lee’s favorite aspects of his Graviton experience is what he calls “Type 2 fun”—the kind of fun that’s challenging but exhilarating. “Type 1 fun is like eating an ice cream cone… it’s enjoyable,” he explains. “Type 2 fun is like going flat out, doing something difficult and there’s the exhilaration at the end of it, realizing that you’ve done something spectacular.” For Lee, lifting heavy weights and mastering challenging exercises at Graviton fit perfectly into this category.
Overall, something Lee appreciates most about Graviton is the supportive and inclusive environment, from both trainers and members. “It was a big fear of mine, that I’d be judged for being scrawny and old, and it’s much the opposite,” Lee reflects. “People are appreciative of you. Not where you are but how hard you try to get to the next level, and what you put into it,” he says.
Lee embodies the spirit of perseverance and self-discovery that defines Graviton. His journey to become a seasoned Appalachian Trail hiker, combined with his experience at Graviton, shows us all that age and past experiences don’t limit our potential—they enhance it. Here’s to many more miles, both on the trail and in the gym!