No age limit on fitness

YMCA provides class for people ages 50 and older

People older than the age of 50 can workout with someone at a class geared for them at Vermilion Family YMCA.

The Vermilion Family YMCA, 320 Aldrich Road, hosts the class geared toward patrons who’ve reached that milestone age.

The class, which meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, provides a way for individuals to stay active.

“I have been at the YMCA for around 20 years now,” said Mary Hoholski, aerobics instructor and active older adult coordinator at the Vermilion Family YMCA. “This specific class has been going on for five years now, and people seem to enjoy it.”

Hoholski said the class’s main goal is to keep people active.

“I just want to get them moving,” she said. “There can often be a reluctance to being active, but it’s important to avoid stagnation. Moving is the only way you will be able to stay healthy.”

Hoholski said the biggest hurdle for older adults is more mental than physical.

“Some may feel they are too old, or that they can’t exercise anymore,” she said. “My goal is to break down those fears and reservations.

“People should feel more comfortable in their own skin, and that’s what the class is all about.”

Hoholski said the group has a diverse workout regimen throughout the week.

“Mondays, we work with weighted balls and bands,” she said. “Wednesday is our stepping class; we

“My goal is to break down those fears and reservations.” — Mary Hohoski, YMCA aerobics instructor

focus more on working legs and cardio on Wednesdays.

“Fridays, we utilize weighted bars and ladders. We basically try to work the entirety of the body by week’s end.”

Typically, there’s a small group, around eight to 10, that participate, Hoholski said.

“I’m very happy with the turnout we have today (Jan. 3) with the weather the way it is,” she said. “I feel the fact people came out today is a testament to how hard they are willing to work and their love for the class.”

Beth Young, of Vermilion, said she looks forward to the class.

“Everyone here loves Mary,” Young said. “She does a good job motivating and teaching us how to do these workouts. It’s also a

social hour for us.

“We all get along very well during the classes and look forward to catching up with each other.”

Jane Gilbert, also of Vermilion, had similar sentiments toward the class.

“Mary encourages us; she doesn’t force us to do anything we can’t do,” Gilbert said.

“It’s a great environment. Every time we meet, we have fun and laugh together.”

ERIC BONZAR — THE MORNING JOURNAL Ginny Green of Vermilion exercises under the guidance of instructor Mary Hoholski during a “Fitness After 50” group class Jan. 3, 2018, at the Vermilion Family YMCA.

ERIC BONZAR—THE MORNING JOURNAL Ginny Green of Vermilion exercises under the guidance of instructor Mary Hoholski at “Fitness After 50” class.

ERIC BONZAR—THE MORNING JOURNAL Instructor Mary Hoholski leads a group of eight woman during a “Fitness After 50” class Jan. 3.

ERIC BONZAR — THE MORNING JOURNAL Jane Gilbert of Vermilion exercises during a “Fitness After 50” group class Jan. 3.