Senior fitness day at rec center
With the number of seniors living in Southwest Florida, it is important to get the message out concerning their health.
On Wednesday, the SHARE Club and the North Fort Myers Recreation Center, among other Lee County locations, will present the 22nd annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day starting at 11 a.m.
The goal of the May 27 event is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. Thousands of organizations nationwide will host a variety of health and fitness related activities such as workshops, exercise classes and health screenings.
Paula Short, SHARE Club director at the rec center, said there were precious few spaces available, so time is of the essence.
Last year’s event featured a flash mob in front of the rec center, with kids playing music and following the instructor.
This year, there will be special presentations starting at 11:30 a.m. with the Wonders of Walking by Lindy Smith of Pole Proprietors, who will teach pole walking, an activity that combines the health benefits of walking with the cardio benefits of cross-country skiing while providing balance.
At noon, Nathalie Grondin a physical therapist at Lee Memorial Health System, will discuss the Basics of Balance and Fall Prevention, which is one of the leading causes of death among the elderly.
At 12:45 p.m., Sandy Kerr, a group exercise instructor for SHARE Club, will conduct a free exercise class for about 45 minutes.
“You can sit or stand and can use either weights or bands. They help build muscle and strength as well as range of motion and daily life activities,” Short said.
Snacks and lectures will provided by Home Instead, a senior care company.
There will also be activities planned at the wellness centers of Cape Coral and Fort Myers in City Center Plaza, many of which will include screenings and demonstrations of activities including pickleball.
Members are encouraged to bring guests, free of charge.
For more information, contact the rec center at 533-7200.