ABILENE, Texas (KTAB / KRBC) – At the beginning of the pandemic, many people were unable to remain physically active, especially seniors who were house handcuffed for their safety.
Now, an Abilene fitness trainer is inspiring seniors to take their health and fitness into their own hands in a less rigorous, gentler workout experience.
Retired math teacher and veteran Wilma Lewis will attend Gentle Fitness every Tuesday and Thursday.
“I just make sure to keep moving, I don’t sit down for long,” says Lewis. “I either lie down and sleep or move because I know it has been really good for my health.”
Lewis says she is diabetic and used to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, but her health has improved significantly since she started exercising.
“Everything is well under control now, and I’m very healthy right now and that is the main thing. I know I’ll have to train every day for the rest of my life, ”said Lewis.
According to instructor Lenora Peterson, Gentle Fitness addresses five key areas: balance, endurance, flexibility, strength, and socialization.
During the one-hour course, seniors benefit from exercises with low to moderate physical activity, such as the use of weights and resistance bands.
“We are concerned with mobility, freedom of movement and quality of life. That’s the whole point, “said Peterson.
Peterson says her goal is to reduce the isolation of seniors, especially during the pandemic, by helping her participants maintain active lifestyles, which the Hendrick Health Fitness Club is promoting.
“If you’re still staying home all the time, you need to get out and socialize,” said Ron Richert, general manager and personal trainer at Hendrick Health Club.
Richert says there are many things that can be done to prevent certain diseases like diabetes or, in most seniors, the risk of decreased bone density.
“You have to get your blood, which helps increase your red blood cells, which helps keep your heart in better shape, because if your heart is not in good shape, everything else goes by the wayside. “Said Richert.
Lewis says she keeps training because, “I don’t want my kids to take care of me. I want to be independent as long as I live. “
The course encourages seniors to take control of their health, fitness, and life goals with some physical activity.
“It helps to have other people going through the same thing that you are going through, and the social atmosphere for training in a group is really important to get that done and get a habit. It’s difficult to do everything alone, ”said Richert.
Classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11am at the Arthur Sears Retirement Home
Peterson says everyone is welcome to participate.
