Fit and sassy seniors staying active

They may be few in numbers but the seniors who meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the Senior Fit class at Gold’s Gym in Lake Forest Park share several attributes.

“They’re smart, they’re sassy and they’re a whole lot of fun,” Trish Jens, an instructor of the class said.

Lately, the small yet dedicated exercise group is also determined. To keep their weekly class operating, they’re breaking a sweat trying to recruit a few new members to their group.

“If we have to we’re ready to stand out in the parking lot with signs,” Lake Forest Park resident Bob Moore said.

The class meets twice a week, for two hours with two different instructors. Although Moore and most class participants attend both sessions, the overall class numbers have dwindled since the opening of the Dale Turner YMCA in Shoreline last October. Recruiting new faces will help the program continue in Lake Forest Park, but it will also help more seniors live a healthier lifestyle, Jens said.

“There’s very strong research to support that regular exercise and social connection along with the best nutrition you can come up with can prevent, slow down or reverse virtually all the diseases of aging,” she said. “It doesn’t mean you won’t go gray or you won’t get arthritis it just means it might be a little slower and bother you a little less.”

The class isn’t boring or predictable, Moore said. He and others use a combination of weights, resistance bands and chairs to work on their balance, coordination and flexibility.

Most, including class participant Jean Bryant, hold regular gym memberships but appreciate being part of a group.

“I could come down and work out myself but what gets me here is being with the group,” she said. “It gives me something to look forward to, it’s fellowship … it’s just easier.”

The biggest problem may be the fact many people don’t know about the class, Jens said.

Kenmore resident Mawal Sayah wasn’t aware of the class when she joined the gym but she has been a regular participant for the past five months.

“If I joined this class a long time ago I would have been better off now,” Sayah, 59, said. “I didn’t have interest in using a machine on my own. I just want to be in a group and move my body from top to bottom.”

The class helped Barbara Buringa of Lake Forest Park recover from shoulder and hip pain.

I think this class has really helped,” Buringa, 69, said. “(Jens) tries to cover all the muscle groups and build strength and balance.”

The workout routines can be altered for individuals, according to Jens. Participants can be any age and have the option of sitting down or standing up as long as they are moving.

“The main thing is to just keep moving – I hear a lot of that,” Jen’s mother and class participant Dorothy Jens, 81, said.

The group plans monthly lunch dates at the Towne Centre that add to the sense of camaraderie, Moore said.

“We think this is a community effort,” he said. “Of course we can all exercise alone at home but it doesn’t have the same feel or group collaboration.”

Exercise Class for Seniors

By Jean Bryant

Calling all seniors

It’s time to unite

We want you to join us

And start the year right.

You can start “prospecting”

We know you won’t mind

When you hit the jackpot

Good health you will find.

We’re searching for gold

And what better spot