Wanda Ronan’s grandchildren wanted to make sure she was exercising regularly.
They purchased her a membership to the Lone Tree Wellness Center.
Now the 87-year-old attends a senior …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you had a login with the previous version of our e-edition, then you already have a login here. You just need to reset your password by clicking here.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
Wanda Ronan’s grandchildren wanted to make sure she was exercising regularly.
They purchased her a membership to the Lone Tree Wellness Center.
Now the 87-year-old attends a senior fitness class twice each week.
“I think my grandkids thought I should keep moving,” Ronan said after a recent 45-minute class at the center.
The class draws between 15 and 22 seniors on Tuesday and Thursday mornings each week.
Instructor Tom Dickey designs a workout that is adaptable for seniors of all ages – even those who may not be completely mobile.
“We try to incorporate a lot in our 45 minutes,” he said.
He offers encouragement as he barks out the counts for each exercise.
Every 15 minutes of the class, he has the attendees walk around the room for several minutes. Some use canes to help maneuver around the room.
“This is a reminder that you need to get up and move around the house,” Dickey said. “This might be one of the most important things we do.”
Exercises include stretching, lifting light weights and working with a elastic band. Many of the exercises utilize a chair for support. Some of the exercises are done while seated.
“They don’t have to be super mobile,” Dickey said. “It is so important for seniors to keep moving.”
An equally important function is for seniors – who sometimes can be isolated – to socialize.
“It’s just a real nice social gathering,” Dickey said. “That part is important, too.”
A nice thing about the classroom at the Wellness Center, it has frosted glass windows, which let in light but provide privacy for those working out.
The class is not just open to Lone Tree residents. During a recent class, there were people from Riverside, Hills and Conesville.
One of those from Hills was 68-year-old Jerry Hansen.
“I’m trying to stay in shape, trying to stay active,” he said.
When Wanda Ronan first started the classes a year and a half ago, her husband, Jim, came with her. He died last year, but she has continued coming to the class for the exercise and to talk with friends after the class.
“I just kept coming,” she said. “I’d recommend it for anyone.”
