Ken Baker is 57 years old and still active.

He snow-skis and hiked the Grand Canyon two years ago.

Baker, the interim athletic director, attributes his good health and strength to thrice-weekly workout sessions.

With his medicine ball and treadmill at home, Baker said he is able to exercise while watching Monday Night Football. He can also play vigorously with his granddaughter.

“As the old saying goes: ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,'” he said.

To teach students to live a healthy lifestyle, the Student Recreation Center and the Office of Training and Development are sponsoring a basic weight training demonstration today from noon to 1 p.m. in the recreation center.

The sessions will be presented by Baker and will cover a number of exercises to maintain a healthy body.

“It’s not a real intense program. We’re looking at a basic resistance training program that someone can do for the rest of their life,” he said. “You won’t even break sweat, but if you do this program for the rest of your life, you’re going to be healthier and more active.”

Baker said basic exercise prevents injuries and fatigue, and will lead to a happier life.

“It’s sad for me when I have lifelong friends who can’t do the things we used to do,” he said. “If you can continue to do the things you enjoy doing, that’s the payoff.”

Staying in shape is a routine he encompasses for a number of reasons.

“I still like to snow-ski; I still hike and play with my grandkids. So, fitness is important to me,” he said. “I’m still very active, and that’s what makes me happy.”

Baker attributes his health to regular exercise at the recreation center and at home.

Part of the program will be a demonstration of the Circuit Express Line that comprises a 10-piece “total body workout.”

The Circuit Express machines take the user about 30 minutes to complete and are highly effective, Baker said.

“Good exercise doesn’t take up your whole day, and you don’t need all the bulky equipment,” he said.

Baker said people do not necessarily need weights or a gym to get the exercise needed to maintain health.

Push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups require no equipment and are good resistance workouts that can be done anywhere, he said.

“We’re encouraging people to live not just longer lives, but happy and healthier lives. In order to do that, people need resistance and aerobic training,” Baker said. “Being healthy is one of the most prized possessions you can have.”

A lack of exercise now could have harsh effects years down the road, he said.