Seniors_fitness

Back to HomeFeature Article - March 15, 2012 Look At These Boomers Move!by Edie Cairns

Late in December of 2011 I noticed a paragraph in the Frontenac News by Pam Giroux talking about a seniors' exercise program that Michelle Greenstreet had been delivering on Tuesdays and Fridays. I must admit that it was the days of the week that captured my attention. As I volunteer in a school the other three days, I've always used that as my excuse for not making the effort to be more active. Like a rainbow I took this as a sign that it was time to do something about my "bat wings", bad posture and stiff joints. Pam had mentioned that the sessions would begin anew on February the 3rd after we had all settled down from holiday feasting.

Dutifully I swung into Clement Rd. to speak to Michelle, head down, to see if there was "any room left in the classes". Yet another sign, there was! January came and went, February arrived and I kept waiting for the reason not to venture out on the 3rd. The photos accompanying these words tell the tale. I went. It is fantastic! Joints are moving, muscles are jumping and I am walking and sitting up taller!

Don't get me wrong, this is no high powered Olympic training course. It is exactly what so many of us, old enough to have seen both Elvis and The Beatles make their first appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, need. Michelle has prepared specific exercise routines that are suitable for a body that may be somewhat past its prime. We stretch, lift, flex and just plain move to easy music, Michelle's encouraging words, and the laughter of new and old friends. In a pleasant, safe and well equipped environment we have been reacquainting ourselves with body parts rusty from neglect.

When I first spoke to Michelle in January she explained at least 12 people needed to register if the class was to continue. Last I checked she had SEVENTY-FIVE participants. Michelle organized the multitude into a number of different classes from which individuals could choose to suit their schedules and needs and to make activity groups small enough to keep everyone safe.

Although we generally do fit the category of seniors there also a few "young 'uns", as well as some who are still employed outside the home. It is a model program. As a society we proclaim we want people to be active and able to remain in their own homes. This is designed to assist us in doing just that. Let's hope with the proper township support that it can continue and grow as needed.