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Hometown Senior Center to Offer 'Active For Life' Fitness Program

Posted on: Friday, 11 February 2005, 00:00 CST

bcalwell@cnpapers.com

You could be very sweet to yourself starting on Valentine's Day at the Hometown Senior Center.

The center at 100 First Ave. in Hometown will introduce Active For Life, a free exercise program geared to older people, at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14. Participants will need a doctor's release to participate.

The West Virginia University Extension Service developed the program in conjunction with noted senior exercise expert Lawrence Frankel.

According to center Director Debby Easter, the program began in the mid-1970s as a low-intensity exercise routine for people over 50. Led by volunteers, Active For Life is a community-based program designed for presentation at senior centers, churches and nursing homes. This is the first time it will be offered at the Hometown center.

"It's low-impact, and it can be down from a sitting position or a standing position. What they want to do is to encourage exercise, whether you're able to stand the whole time, or not," Easter said.

Participants complete a series of exercises from seated and standing positions. There is also a walking session and cool down period. For those unable to stand very long there are alternative exercises done from a chair. Some of the exercises can be done lying down, as well.

"Each person will have their own chair so that they can do what they can. Each person is encouraged to do [the exercises] at his or her own pace," she said.

The exercises, which encourage deep breathing with each movement, include trunk bends, arm circles and "heel cord stretching" while holding onto a chair. There are also exercises to strengthen the triceps. Each participant will receive a booklet that describes in detail each exercise.

Easter and two other volunteers will lead Active For Life classes twice a week. Each session will last 45 minutes to an hour. Participants should wear comfortable clothes.

"Everybody needs to bring towels, which are used in some of the exercises," Easter said.

Putnam County WVU Extension Agent Sally Summers will be at the introductory Active For Life session on Monday.

"Regardless of one's age or level of fitness, it is never too late to begin an exercise program. Physical activity is one of the most significant health interventions in the lives of older adults. It can improve heart & lung endurance, relieve aching muscles & joints, reduce high blood pressure and stress, improve flexibility, balance, strength and agility, and help to maintain an independent lifestyle. Most of all, it is fun," Summers said.

Easter expects a good turnout for the introductory session. "I've got people talking about it. On the 14th, we'll introduce it to people and show them what's involved."

Easter said the senior center also has an exercise room, where visitors can use a treadmill, exercise bike and ski machine.

For more information about Active For Life, call the Hometown Senior Center, 586-2745.

Writer Ben Calwell can be reached via e-mail, or by calling 348- 5188.

Source: Charleston Gazette, The

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