MADISON COUNTY — As people age, often they change at least some of the activities they do, either by choice or necessity.
The YMCA of Madison County in Pendleton is reaching out to people 55 and older, offering them a new Enhanced Fitness class.
Although anyone is welcome to sign up for the new program, it’s being billed as an active older adult class.
It’s being offered to participants at no charge, as part of a chronic disease prevention program and health initiative for county residents, said Jody Wilson, YMCA programming coordinator in Pendleton.
The YMCA of Madison County did a community assessment and determined there was a need for more quality programming for older adults.
“That’s how the whole program initiative got started,” Wilson said. “The YMCA is not just about fitness, but also community involvement, social responsibility and getting people together.”
The class is designed to help residents be more aware of how to stay fit as time goes by.
The program is an evidence-based group exercise program that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals, particularly those with arthritis, to stay active throughout their lives.
The class is also a certified falls prevention program to help older adults who are worried about their balance.
“This class will help seniors learn about how to have more stabilization of their bodies,” Wilson said.
Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong social relationships between participants.
Organizers will take 25 participants per class to achieve maximum results for each person taking part.
Wilson, who was born and raised in Pendleton, considers the YMCA and its programs to be vital to the well-being of the community and growth in the area, she said.
The YMCA aims to not only get people physically healthy, but mentally fit, particularly for older adults who may not have as much social interaction as they want or need to live a healthy, happy life, Wilson said.
Through the YMCA of the USA, the local branch was awarded a $4,000 grant to get personnel trained and get the program rolling.
While the first 16-week program in Pendleton is full, with a wait list established, the YMCA plans to offer other enhancement programs throughout the county.
The YMCA hopes to get more instructors trained so they can do more of the classes in the future, Wilson said.
The class is being offered Monday, Aug. 27, through Friday, Dec. 14, with meeting times from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays and from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
To take part in the future classes, people can fill out a health information packet at the Pendleton YMCA office, 520 Falls Park Drive.