Senior instructor Linda Creason stretches in preparation for the Senior Exercise class. Photo special to The R-C by Robin L. Sarantos
Do your joints need a little lubrication? Do you enjoy moving to music? Are making new friends part of your whole-being? If so, check out the friendly Senior Exercise classes at our very active, civic involved, Douglas County Community & Senior Center.
To the ancient Greeks, gymnasium was a sports center and a very important part of life. Albeit the ancients exercised naked hence the term gymos. Notwithstanding, our Senior Center Exercise Class volunteer instructors encourage wearing appropriate shoes and comfortable clothes which allow for stretching movements.
An Aug, 21, 2021, article in The Record-Courier noted that Ms. Vonnie Orgill was director and exercise organizer until retirement. She was instrumental in beginning the free classes for our senior citizens, and her goal included helping older individuals maintain an active lifestyle.
Monday morning was quite a treat for this senior first timer.
Taught by volunteer instructor Ms. Linda Creason, the group exercise opened to the slow, melodious rendition of “Amazing Grace.” The background music continued with country and other tuneful genres complementing the various exercises designed specifically by Ms. Creason for poignant but gentle movements. These included stretching for flexibility, marching to encourage endurance, shifting the body to improve and encourage balance and overall exercises to boost and preserve muscle mass. One very verbal exercise included repetitions saying the vowels – A, E,I,O,U – with exaggerated vocal movement to strengthen muscles in the mouth.
The Senior Exercise Classes are offered free to the community 10:30–11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. It was a pleasure to witness so many who give freely of themselves throughout the year to help others in need in our county, gaining the wonderful and physical benefits provided by the Douglas County Community & Senior Center.
