PEAK Center in Lansdale offers fitness classes for seniors
The PEAK Center in Lansdale, Montgomery County, is a series of exercise classes for seniors called Fit for the Future.
During this time of restricted social contact due to COVID-19, all seniors should be engaging in regular physical activity, which helps to prevent many common diseases, decreases isolation and improves mental health.
The PEAK Center, 606 E. Main St. in Lansdale, Montgomery County, (part of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services) will be offering two opportunities to get stronger and healthier:
Fit for the Future is a series of six classes from 9:30 to-10:30 am on Mondays (now through Dec. 7) and on Wednesdays (today through Dec. 9).
Tai Chi is a series of six classes from noon to 1 p.m. on Fridays (Nov. 6 through Dec. 18).
The Fit for the Future class is a full-body strength training program with balance components. The class is designed to increase lower body, core strength and flexibility, in order to improve balance and mobility of the participants.
The strength training and stretching of the upper body is designed to increase participants’ ability to carry on with their activities of daily living (ADL), but also increase strength and f lexibilit y (range of motion) in order
to respond to an out of balance event (fall), hopefully lessening chances of a severe injury.
Balance activities incorporated in the classes are walking on a line, side stepping, one-leg stands and many others. The balance activities, in conjunction with the strength train
ing, are used to improve strength, flexibility, reaction time, neuro response and confidence.
“My classes are safe, organized and fun,” said instructor Kim Zimmerman.
Seniors who have taken his classes are looking forward to the return of Fit For the Future.
One participant said: “When I started class, my balance was very bad, but now I can stand on one foot for 30 seconds. I’ve also gradually increased my strength from using 1 or 2 lbs to 5 lb weights.”
Another senior said, “I could really notice the loss in my physical condition
during the time we were closed, and I missed doing the exercises. I’m delighted to start again.”
Tai chi is a Chinese form of martial arts that involves slow, controlled, relaxing and low-impact movements, which are ideal for seniors, even those with limited movement.
Tai chi has often been called “meditation in motion” as it focuses on integrating the mind with the body to carry out slow movements in unison with the breath.
“This form of exercise can help to relieve stress, help with arthritis pain, strengthen the lower body and decrease blood pressure to name just a few of the benefits,” said instructor Darryl Bryant.
Additional benefits to seniors of exercise and physical activity include relief from stress, reduction in bone loss, increased energy and increased mental capacity and concentration.
Join a class by calling The PEAK Center at 215362-7432 and get a jump on your New Year’s resolutions. The cost of each session is $20 (show or no show) for a six-class series. Payment is due at the first class. There is a minimum requirement of 10 participants in order to hold each series.
Class size is limited to 12 people per session due to Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations for social distancing.
The mission of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Ser v ices (GHNPSS) is to provide access to programs and resources that help older adults live independently and remain active.