|
|
Seniors Flex Their Muscles in SilverSneakers
By Dawn Sagario, Des Moines Register
January 10, 2008
Diane Stokka, in the foreground at left, leads the SilverSneakers Fitness Program strength class at Aspen Athletic Club in Clive. The program partners with health plans that offer SilverSneakers to their members on Medicare. One class member, Marcella Yochum of Urbandale, said, “When I walk out of exercise class, I feel like I’ve done something good for me. It’s just an uplifting feeling.”
David Jones, 67, uses a ball to work on shoulder range of motion and flexibility during the SilverSneakers strength class. Some class members also enjoy the social aspect of meeting people and scheduling monthly lunches. Get-well cards are sent to those who miss classes because of illness.
Marcella
Yochum, 80, follows an exercise routine at the SilverSneakers Fitness Program strength class at Aspen Athletic Club in Clive. The 45-minute workout includes movements that can be done while seated or standing. Yochum says she has increased her energy level since joining the class.
A dozen people are seated, some clad in jeans and turtlenecks, others wearing sweat pants, shorts or sweat shirts.
Audio speakers fill the room with music, from swinging Big Band tunes to the bouncy beat of Eddie Rabbit's "I Love a Rainy Night."
The tunes are a far cry from the rhythmic, thumping bass that keeps typical fitness classes moving. But these exercisers are nonetheless getting a workout that's helping them improve their flexibility, balance and strength.
Over the next 45 minutes, they squeeze plastic balls, lift hand weights and pull rubber resistance bands taut. Not all of the exercises are done while sitting - participants execute squats, leg curls and coordination exercises while standing, using the chairs for balance.
The class at Aspen Athletic Club, 10930 Hickman Road in Clive, is just one of several the gym offers through the SilverSneakers program.
SilverSneakers is a nationwide fitness program designed exclusively for older adults that includes tailored exercise classes as well as social events.
Members receive a free membership to a participating fitness center and access to health clubs throughout the United States. In Iowa, individuals with Humana insurance are eligible for the free program, and can sign up at any participating health club.
Participants in the Des Moines area are giving SilverSneakers glowing reviews. They're seeing both the physical and social benefits of the classes while having a good time.
"It's fun," said Clayton Rostomily, 89, from Urbandale. "That's the best part of it. And we meet all these nice people."
Research has shown that the benefits of exercise among those over age 65 range from a decreased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease to speedier recovery after hospitalization.
SilverSneakers participants in Iowa say they've seen a reduction in pain, an increase in energy and improvement in range of motion, making day-to-day tasks such as walking, entering and exiting a car, and turning one's head easier.
Genie Rostomily, Clayton's wife, said she's seen noticeable improvements in her husband since the couple began attending SilverSneakers classes almost three years ago.
That's despite the fact that Clayton, who has had four strokes, says he hasn't noticed any changes himself.
"His momentum and balance have been so much better," said Genie, 76.
Fellow classmate Ed Rethman said he's seen the change in Clayton, too.
"He used to never get out of the chair, but he will now, occasionally," said Rethman, 71, who attends classes with his wife, Christa.
SilverSneakers has been available in Iowa since 2005, said Katie Kiesau, account manager for the SilverSneakers program in Iowa.
There were about 3,400 participants enrolled in the program in Iowa as of November, with nearly 40 participating fitness centers statewide.
Participants can choose from four classes: Muscular Strength and Range of Motion; Cardio Circuit; YogaStretch; and SilverSplash, a water aerobics class made available statewide last fall.
Rethman, of West Des Moines, said participating in SilverSneakers has helped improve his cholesterol level and flexibility.
"Now I can twist my head around me like when I was a kid," he said.
Marcella Yochum of Urbandale said she has more energy and takes better care of her body since beginning SilverSneakers about six months ago.
"When I walk out of exercise class, I feel like I've done something good for me," said Yochum, 80. "It's just an uplifting feeling."
In Des Moines, SilverSplash is available at the Aspen Athletic Club at 6103 S.E. 14th St. and Mercy Wellness Center, 1111 Sixth Ave., on the west side of Mercy Medical Center.
Deb Fisk, one of the SilverSplash instructors at Mercy, said the water program has been a popular option, particularly among seniors who have arthritis.
"It's perfect for someone who has limited range of motion and ability out of the water," Fisk said.
The class is a mix of aerobic and strength training. No swimming skills are required.
SilverSplash participants Kathie Karpinen and Ronald Green say water exercise is the only kind of workout they can do because of their physical limitations.
Karpinen, 54, suffers from chronic pain, with arthritis in her spine, neck, lower back and right leg. She's had two fusion surgeries in her neck.
She said SilverSplash has helped increase the range of motion in her neck and strengthened her right leg.
"What I have been getting out of it is I'm more mobile, I'm less depressed," said Karpinen, of West Des Moines. "By going there, I don't feel as though I'm as isolated. We have fun doing the exercises ... and we have good instructors there. I just feel better all over."
Green, 60, has arthritis and deterioration in his spine. Since starting the program, he's walking more easily, has less pain and has lost weight.
"I used to have my back go out on me every three months, and since I started this, I haven't had that trouble anymore," said Green, of Des Moines. His wife, Betsy, also takes the SilverSplash class.
For all of the health and fitness benefits of SilverSneakers, Kiesau said the camaraderie and friendships formed are paramount.
One example of the social networks that participants build: The SilverSneakers group that works out at the Aspen on Hickman Road go out to lunch once a month.
They also call people and check on them when they don't show up for class, Kiesau said, and send get-well cards to those who are sick.
Kiesau said: "I would say the social aspect is what keeps them coming in, and then they benefit from the fitness."
More Information on US Health Issues
|
|
