New exercise program for seniors offered at Y open house Monday

Instructor Lorri Willis teaches the SilverSneakers® class at the YMCA.

Exercise, exercise, exercise! Never before in the history of mankind has exercise been as important a role in people's lives. And whether you are 8 or 80, you can reap the healthy benefits of exercise.

Now, the YMCA of Dyer County has added a new program for the senior citizens to get involved in. The Healthways SilverSneakers® fitness program provides four different classes to help older adults get in the shape of their lives.

The YMCA is having an open house for their SilverSneakers® program on Monday, June 15, from 10 a.m. till noon. Instructors will be on hand to answer questions about the classes and provide demonstrations of the SilverSneaker® methods. People with difficulty getting to the program can inquire about transportation opportunities.

Bernice Dennis and Billy Hickman use the exercise balls as they follow instructor Lori Willis during a SilverSneakers® class. [Click to enlarge]

One great added bonus is that members of participating Medicare plans can join for free. If you have Humana Gold Choice PFFS, Humana Group Medicare HMO, Humana ChoicePPO, Humana Group Medicare PPO, Humana Medicare Supplement Plan, Humana Group Medicare PFFS, UnitedHealthcare supplement, Pacificare Senior Supplement Plan, Secure Horizons or AARP supplement plans you may qualify to join the fitness programs for free.

"It's a great program," said Bernice Dennis, 82-year-old SilverSneakers® participant. "It stimulates your mind and body and just keeps you going."

The classes offered are:

Penny Gaines smiles as she participates in the SilverSneakers® class. [Click to enlarge]

SilverSneakers® Muscular Strength and Movement - Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a SilverSneakers® ball are offered for resistance and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support.

SilverSneakers® Cardio Circuit - Combine fun with fitness to increase your cardiovascular and muscular endurance power with a standing circuit workout. Upper-body strength work with handheld weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers® ball is alternated with a non-impact aerobic choreography. A chair is offered for support, stretching and relaxation exercises.

SilverSneakers® YogaStretch - YogaStretch will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement. Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity.

Bernice Dennis works her shoulders as she stretches out her arms during the class. [Click to enlarge]

SilverSplash® - Activate your aqua urge for variety! SilverSplash® offers lots of fun and shallow water moves to improve agility, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. No swimming ability is required and a special SilverSneakers® kickboard is used to develop strength, balance and coordination.

For more information call the YMCA at 288-9622.

Instructors Lorri Willis and Amy Carrol are two of the instructors of the SilverSneakers® exercise program for older adults. The Dyer County YMCA will be holding an open house from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 15. They will be on hand to demonstrate the SilverSneakers® workouts and answer questions about the program.