Exercise for Older Adults

Posted on July 6, 2012 at 10:29 am

We all know exercise is important but how many of us really do it?  Many things stop us as our Tufts' OTC interns found out this past spring when they ran a focus group with a group of older adults.  Some of the participants worked out either with us or at other gyms and some didn't do any sort of exercise.

For those who didn't exercise the biggest reason was fear.  Would they hurt themselves due to a chronic condition or would they not meet the expectations of the instructor?  What happens if they have never done a yoga or zumba class?  would they know what to do?  

All good reasons to hesitate but not to participate!  Our classes at the Somerville Council on Aging are geared to those 55+ at many levels of fitness.

We just added two new classes - Yoga for Strength and Balance at Holland Street at 1:30 on Mondays and another Zumba Gold class at Ralph & Jenny Center on Wednesdays at 11:30 am.  Classes are $5.

Try Line Dancing on tuesdays at 3:00 pm at Holland Street.  Fun and doable with a great instructor.

Before class begins, raise your concerns with our instructors.  Let them know what you want out of the class and what you may be thinking about.  Have a shoulder injury - let them know.  They are all trained instructors.

Only the best for the best community!