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Highlands Today

YMCA Program Keeps Elderly In Shape

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

SilverSneaker participants exercise Tuesday during class at the Highlands County Family YMCA in Sebring. The class is specifically designed for senior citizens.

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: February 19, 2008

SEBRING — About 50 senior citizens got their blood pumping Tuesday morning with a total body workout at the Highlands County Family YMCA.

Fitness Instructor Jane Goodlett led the SilverSneakers class.

"Smile through your pain," she told the class as they extended their weights into a lateral raise. "Yes, you can do it!"

Joe Hood groaned as the class started another rotation of arm exercises with dumbbells.

Hood, the "class clown," likes making comments throughout the class to make people laugh and take their minds off the exercise. Although he grumbles, he said he loves the class, which he attends at least two times per week.

"It sure beats sitting around at home," the 75-year-old said about the class. "I like the way it gets my blood pumping. The people are great, and we have a good time."

Toward the end of the class, they all participate in a cardio routine to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York."

"Kick like a Rockette," Goodlett quips.

The one-hour fitness class works all parts of the body – right down to finger exercises to prevent carpal tunnel.

"It's a workout for your whole body because we work every muscle, even the brain because you have to concentrate," said Carolyn Love.

Love, 69, takes advantage of a

free membership to the YMCA, including SilverSneakers, which is provided through her health care provider, Humana.

Mike Martino, executive director of the Highlands County YMCA, said about 75 senior citizens take advantage of the free program during the winters.

The aerobics class, which meets at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, incorporates dumbbells, resistance tubing, fitness balls and chairs. About half the workout is done while seated in a chair.

"If people want more intensity, they can stand up; if they want to take it easy, most of the workout can be done in the chair," Goodlett said. "We want all fitness levels to feel welcome."

Shirley Verna, 74, said the class helped rehabilitate her after two hip-replacement surgeries.

"It's helped with my range of motion, strength and balance," said Verna, who attends the class two times per week. "I don't even limp any more."

Verna, who usually picks out a spot in the front row, said she enjoys the company of her classmates.

"Everyone is really nice and we have a good time together," Verna said. "We all motivate each other."

Hood said he also enjoys the supportive environment for his workout.

"Everyone is striving to do the same thing – keep going," Hood said.

The class has been so popular that the YMCA is planning to add two more SilverSneakers classes this spring - yoga stretch and water aerobics.

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