Kalona, Wellman residents stay in shape with YMCA senior fit

For older citizens hoping to keep their balance, the Wellman and Kalona YMCA offers weekly senior fit classes, 30-minute meetings that focus on balance and strength, as well as cardiovascular health for those that have a harder time with traditional workouts

“For them, being active and just moving is one of the most important things,” Course Instructor Angie Boyse said. “These courses give them the opportunity to stay active … we use hand weights, we use bands, we use a bunch of things to help maintain their strength and overall health.”

Boyse said the groups were bolstered by a sense of community.

“It’s the camaraderie, at the same time that they can come to a place and stay physically active,” she said. “A lot of them at both locations go and have coffee afterwords.”

Another key appeal is the leadership of a trained professional.

“Having somebody that can lead them through the exercises, so that they know they’re doing them correctly … they can feel comfortable and safe doing them,” she said.

The participants themselves agreed.

“I cannot say enough good things about our instructor, Angie is the best,” Kalona class-goer Janet Goss said. “She guides us through different ways to exercise if we can’t do certain moves. To me this class is more of a family. We laugh, sweat and complain, but we all know it’s good for our old bodies to move, balance and stretch. I really enjoy this time together and miss it when I can’t make it.”

Kalona Member Joyce Matters said she attended the classes religiously.

“They really help my upper body strength and my balance,” she said. “I try to never miss a class and schedule other activities around Senior Fitness … I only wish the classes were three times a week instead of two times.”

As for Boyse, she said the classes were rewarding to lead.

“For me, it’s watching them … go from one pound weights to two pound weights to five pound weights is exciting,” she said. “We focus a lot on balance, so moving from them having to balance holding onto the chair to not using the chair to standing on one leg, that’s really exciting. And they’re so appreciative, after every class I have a handful come up and say thank you.”

While that progress is often slow, Boyse said it always paid off.

“I’ve had conversations with some of them about going to their doctors, and their doctors have even said, ‘Wow, you’re stronger, you’re healthier, I can tell you’re doing something,’” Boyse said. “A lot of them were only coming to class, until they felt stronger and better able to do things on their own,” B They now are able to use other equipment withing the Y, run on the treadmill, life weights, even before or after class. That is a big difference I’ve seen in a lot of them, just being comfortable moving.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com