The men of our upscale retirement community quickly embraced the fitness course set up by our trainer, Sandra Sieber. This New Year they promised themselves to stay in condition during 2009. They flexed their muscles and then followed Sandra as she gently guided them through a systematic exercise of the body.

They raised and lowered legs, bent their ankles and toes, then stretched the knees and thighs, carefully working all their muscles up to and including shoulders and necks--nothing omitted. (The Dry Bones song came to mind: the foot bones connected to the ankle bone...)

Sandra had the men do squats using chair support, if needed. Personal assistance by her helped members occasionally, but generally not required because the careful flexing of body avoided any macho activity. After class, some men used the modern exercise equipment to pursue a circuit: working one machine after the other. Sandra evaluates individual physical needs and limitations and suggests which machines to work and how to operate each safely.

Peeking into the ladies "Cane Do" class led by Jill Lund, Director of Activities the women wore black Top hats, carried a cane and danced to Broadway music. Several Ginger Rogers types in the group kept the action lively. The exercise was fun and not too strenuous. The women talked, more than the men did, about the New Year and resolutions. Their goals--weight loss, tightening of certain muscles, more use of exercise equipment and dieting.

Some ladies at the fitness center follow their own plan. The treadmill, with TV screen and earphone sound, is a favorite. The Power Plate, a vibrating platform, is a well used innovation to alleviate muscle problems.

Members say they feel better after exercise and they look better--active senior living at its finest. The group camaraderie encourages members to participate regularly. And, Sandra is there to help each member improve. Come join a class!

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