Seniors gets physical for health day event
Whether they worked up a sweat during Seniorsize or learned the benefits of Ski-walking, SHARE Club members and other older residents had much to learn and do during the 22nd annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day event at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center.
The event featured two seminars and an exercise session catered to older people. Literature and snacks were also provided.
National Senior Health & Fitness Day is a nationwide event, with thousands of communities taking part. Activities were also held at the Cape Coral and Fort Myers Wellness Centers.
Lindy Smith, a certified group exercise instructor and pole walking coach, held a seminar called “Wonders of Walking” in which she focused on balance, core strength, attention to space and stability as well as using the muscles when sitting and standing in order to walk efficiently.
“It’s not only for people who want to walk for transportation, but also for exercise. The poles come in handy for people who want to walk safely as well as those who want to work into a more cardio workout,” Smith said. “Posture, breathing and balance all go together.
The poles, which can be adjusted according to a person’s height, provide posture, which leads to better breathing and circulation, balance as well as cardio-vascular benefits, an experience similar to cross-country skiing.
Nathalie Grondin, physical therapist at Lee Memorial Health Systems, hosted “The Basics of Balance and Fall Prevention,” which tied into Smith’s lecture in that balance is an overlooked aspect of fitness and what she looks for in correlation to that.
Grondin said balance isn’t simply putting one foot in front of the other. There are countless aspects to it, and the fear of losing balance is one of the reasons older people are reluctant to exercise.
“When people tell me they need help with their balance, I tell them balance is very complex and many factors can affect balance,” Grondin said. “We look at strength, vision and control of the eyes, the sensation in the feet, and the function of the inner ear for equilibrium.”
Grondin said strength and speed of motion exercises are important because balance reactions have to happen quickly.
The event concluded with a free introduction to exercise class with Sandy Kerr, group exercise instructor.
Paula Short, SHARE Club director at the rec center, said the objective of the event was for them to become SHARE Club and rec center members, as well as teach them how important exercise is when they get older.
“It’s simple. You use it or you lose it,” Short said.