By Mike Lorz

Upper Arlington artist and collector Chris Steele will again bring samples of “The American Weigh,” his collection of more than 200 penny scales, to the 3rd Arnold Active Aging Festival, happening March 6 in the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom. Three festival attendees can win the chance to see Steele’s display “100 Best Scales” in its Columbus-area private location.

“The American Weigh” collection captures a slice of Americana, a time when health-conscious Americans monitored their weight on penny scales because the only available scales were in doctors’ offices. The Smithsonian, The Toledo Art Museum, Cincinnati’s Taft Museum, and the Columbus Museum of Art have drawn on Steele’s collection for exhibitions.

Steele’s collection also supports the theme of lifelong fitness, as weight monitoring is one of the earliest and easiest forms of biofeedback.

Steele’s exhibit is just one example of how the festival will focus on activities using a “tell, show, engage” approach. It will include brief presentations by world experts, demonstrations of activities and opportunities for audience engagement in these activities under the guidance of experts. The festival will also provide “how-to” tips and links to more information.

Topics at the Active Aging Festival will include: stretching and flexing more freely; simple exercises to increase reach and range of motion; using light weights to build muscle and bone mass; travel tips; recreational activities (such as table tennis, dance, walking and archery); and guidance to avoid scams and pitfalls during hard financial times.

The festival will also feature national and international presenters. They include: wellness revolution leader Scott Sonnon, creator of the “Ageless Mobility” program; Deborah Redder, creator of the nationally-recognized and award-winning Silver Sneakers group exercise program; and Frank Forencich, author of Exuberant Animal: The Power of Health, Play and Joyful Movement and Play as if Your Life Depends on It: Functional Exercise and Living for Homo sapiens.

Fitness by itself isn’t the goal, it’s a means. Our goal as a society is to feel better, move better, and be better. Fitness gives us the freedom to do the things we really want to do, like play more golf or tennis, or play with grandchildren. At the Active Aging Festival, attendees can take that first step toward that final goal.

The Active Aging Festival is one of 37 events happening during the 21st Arnold Sports Festival, which will fill the March 6-8 weekend at The Greater Columbus Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Franklin County Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Nationwide Arena and the Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building.

Group ticket discounts, curbside drop-off, free parking for group drivers and other benefits are available. The $10 admission to the Arnold Sports Festival covers 12 same-day events, including the Active Aging Festival. For more information, call 614-443-3529.

Mike Lorz is a contributing writer for Upper Arlington Magazine and is chairman of the annual Arnold Acting Aging Festival.