Local YMCA program keeps seniors active

Instructor Kota Kinner, right, leads a yoga stretching class. In Silver Sneakers Yoga, offered at the CR Metro YMCA, participants sit in a chair – rather than on the floor – to do yoga movements and poses. (Photo by Jane Nesmith/for The Gazette)

This story first appeared in the December 2024 issue of Prestige, a special section dedicated to telling the stories of Iowans over 55.

It’s a Monday morning, so Bernice Mitchell is at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA in downtown Cedar Rapids, dancing and moving to the music from the Enhance Fitness class.

Surrounding Mitchell are more than 25 elderly people, who are also moving and dancing. Some hold on to the chairs placed throughout the room, others swing their arms. Everyone smiles and laughs.

For Mitchell and her fitness classmates, exercise and movement are fun. While they have fun in classes designed for seniors, everyone enjoys the benefits of staying physically active as they age.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, exercise has many benefits for people over 65. It reduces the risk of dementia, heart disease and falls. Exercise can improve bone strength and help people live independently longer.

Senior fitness activities at the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan YMCA provide a way for seniors to enjoy the benefits of exercise in a safe environment.

“We provide healthy living opportunities for everyone,” said Deb Greif, director of healthy living for the Metro YMCA. “It’s all part of the community aspect of the YMCA’s mission. » The YMCA offers reduced membership rates for adults over 65, in addition to a sliding fee scale.

Between the CR Metro YMCA downtown and Marion branches, there are more than 20 classes per week specifically geared toward seniors, from tai chi to yoga to the popular Silver Sneakers program. All of these classes aim to help older adults stay healthy, fit and active.

While they exercise, participants also enjoy social time: Many live alone, so the friendships they’ve developed at the Y add joy to their lives. Monthly potluck lunches at the Y provide more time to connect with friends.

Of course, seniors come to the Y with different fitness levels. Some, like Mitchell, have been active and fit their entire lives. For others, retirement has given them a boost – and time – to improve their fitness.

Instructor Kota Kinner, at the front of the class, coaches participants in gentle aerobic exercises during the Enhance Fitness class. Participants use weights and balls for various exercises and can hold onto chairs when they need help balancing. (Photo by Jane Nesmith/for The Gazette)

“We see a lot of people come in and say, ‘My doctor told me I need to exercise,'” Greif said. “Or they want to know what courses they should take to improve in certain areas.” Like improving bone density or cardiovascular health, for example.

Older Y members can take any class offered at the Y. But seniors who haven’t been active might consider starting with classes designed for seniors as a foundation.

Kota Kinner teaches many of the Metro YMCA’s classes for seniors, including the Enhance Fitness class and Silver Sneakers Yoga, where participants stretch and move while seated in chairs rather than on the floor.

In Kinner’s classes, participants perform exercises that will improve range of motion, balance and coordination. Ensuring the exercise is safe and accessible to participants who might be fragile is part of Certified Instructor Kinner’s job.

“We have two rules in our classroom,” she said. “One is “or not”. In other words, you can do each activity or not. You choose what you are capable of doing. The other rule is “Don’t fall.” Chairs located near each participant support them as they strengthen their muscles and develop their balance.

For Mitchell, these senior exercise classes are an important part of her weekly routine.

“I’m about to turn 70 and I’m not slowing down,” she said. “My advice would be to try! »