b'On a morning in fall 2024, the artistically inclinedMarianist Brother Brian Zampier arrived in thetraining room for one of his twice-weekly 20-minutesessions. Bro. Brian demonstrated juggling four ballsat once to promote ambidexterity and hand-eyecoordination all while he described the optical illusioncreated by the flying objects.For Bro. Brian, Ackel suggested strengtheningmovements with resistance bands while juggling toheighten intensity and improve upon the bodysability to sense its position and movements. Ackelsaid mixing in juggling keeps the exercise fun forBro. Brian.PHYSICAL HEALTH ISA GIFT THAT WE MUSTSAFEGUARD. . WEMUST SAFEGUARDOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTHAS WELL. Pope FrancisWith Marianist Father Quentin Hakenewerth,Ackelfocusedonhelpinghimimprovedorsiflexion so he canlift his toes higher as he steps and reduce the likelihoodof stumbling. Fr. Quentin, 93, spent nearly threedecades in Mexico before arriving at the MarianistResidence. He had several stumbles before he beganworking with Ackel on his balance and strength.On another morning, Ackel bragged on MarianistBrother Edward Loch, recounting his recovery froma hip replacement. After working with Ackel onbalance and strength, Bro. Edward has returned todaily training and swimming, and has lost about25 pounds in the process, though he happily jokesthat hes still unbalanced.During a Mass in 2020, Pope Francis preached theGospel of Mark, words that may inspire the likes ofthose who seek out Ackel for regular sessions ofweightlifting and soul-lifting laughter.Physical healing is a gift, physical health is a giftthat we must safeguard, said the Pope, as reportedin the National Catholic Reporter. But the Lord teachesus that we must safeguard the health of our hearts our spiritual healthas well.Father Al McMenamy, SM, bears down on the cable press in the Brother Les Kaehler, SM, works with hand weights while trainer Mike Ackel helps him maintain balance on aworkout room at the Marianist Residence. balance ball.marianist.com/donate11'