Local options offer new-year fitness incentives
For many older adults, the new year brings the desire to begin a new fitness routine. Fortunately for them, the Houston area has no shortage of programs targeted specifically toward active seniors and older adults.
The YMCA of Greater Houston has fitness classes specifically designed for older adults. Classes give participants the opportunity to stay physically active or in some cases, to overcome their fear of exercise and begin being physically active.
The YMCA’s Enhance Fitness classes are classroom-style workouts that use weights and movement to address muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance. Its tai chi, yoga, and flexibility-focused classes help maintain balance, promote healthy joints, and control muscle pain and swelling.
Lastly, the YMCA offers higher-inten-
sity dance workout classes that help to improve cardio endurance and burn calories.
Similarly, the YMCA’s Silver Sneakers physical activity program aims to improve overall wellbeing, strength and social interaction while offering engaging variety for all levels and abilities.
This program is provided to Medicare-eligible participants through participating health plans. Silver Sneakers provides access to fitness equipment, specially designed exercise classes, social connections, online educational content and a sense of community. If eligible for Silver Sneakers, members can participate in other YMCA programs at no additional cost.
“It is especially important for our active older-adult population to focus on fitness, healthy aging and remaining physically active, because as we age, we lose strength, stamina and balance at a faster rate than we did at a younger age,” said Jon Kidwell, Association Director of Healthy Living at the YMCA of Greater Houston. “In addition to the benefits of physical activity, we find that the community support and socialization top the list when talking about healthy aging in our senior members, which makes focusing on physical fitness a great goal for the new year.”
Similarly, various 24Hour Fitness locations around the Houston area also offer the Silver Sneakers program, with classes such as the Silver Sneakers Classic, Cardio Circuit and Yoga Stretch. 24-Hour Fitness’ options for older adults also include water aerobics, Zumba, Aqua Zumba, active aging group exercise classes and other options designed to help seniors and older adults maintain their cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility.
These programs are available to older adults of all fitness levels, whether they’re veteran gym members or newcomers.
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department also offers a variety of exercise options at for seniors at various locations, including aerobics, Zumba, line dancing, stretching, tai chi and pickleball.
For more information about the YMCA’s programs, visit www. ymcahouston.org/programs/active-older-adults. For 24-Hour Fitness, visit www.24hourfitness.com/classes/active-aging. For a complete listing of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s offerings, visit www. houstontx.gov/parks/senioractivities.html.