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| Margaret Wooten, 93 uses the stretch band |
DALTON, Ga. — In the SilverSneakers class at Peak Fitness there are no excuses — not knee, shoulder or hip replacements, Parkinson’s disease, and definitely not advanced age, given that two of the class members are older than 90.
Terry Christie, 77, who has Parkinson’s, said he moves around just fine.
“My doctor told me the best thing I could do is continue this class,” he said. “It makes all the difference in the world.”
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| Jeannette Sitton lifts weights |
Christie was one of 39 people in Rosemary Edwards’ SilverSneakers class recently. SilverSneakers is a fitness program for seniors ages 55 and up offered at Peak Fitness on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Edwards said membership for seniors is $25 a month, but most Medicare or insurance covers the cost of the class.
“The great thing about it is members are not just limited to this class. They can use the whole facility,” she said.
Edwards has taught the class for four years.
“The members are so precious and sincere,” she said. “They want to stay active and healthy their entire lives and they are in here working at it every week.”
Larry Meeks, 69, said he joined about seven years ago after retirement.
“I was inactive, and ran all of my life, so I decided to do this class,” he said. His wife Jane is also in the class.
Ken Hilliard, 89, said in the two years he’s been in the class he’s met “lots of interesting people.”
Two of the members in the class are Jeannette Sitton, 91, and Margaret Wooten, 93. Sitton has been a member for a year, joining after having some health problems.
“I needed some activity. I like it here,” she said.
Sitton, of Chatsworth, said the exercise contributes to her good health at her age.
“I mark it all up to the good Lord and I’ve tried to live a good life,” she said.
Wooten, of Dalton, said she likes the way she feels after the class.
“I’ve been in the class three years and love the fellowship,” she said.
Wooten said she brought a new member to the class.
“She’s not as old as I am but she’s enjoying the class,” she said.
Betty Gallmon, 82, said she had knee replacement surgery last year.
“I came through it with flying colors and it was all because Rosemary pushed me with exercise to be strong,” she said.
Gallmon has been a member for six years. She said two weeks after the surgery she didn’t need a walking cane anymore.
“I was doing great with my exercises. You need someone to push you every once in a while,” she said.
Wooten said Edwards is patient with the class members and makes the class fun.
“I think she’s excellent at what she does,” she said.
Edwards said the group inspires her.
“I advise anyone as you age to stay active,” she said.
The group members use weights, stretch bands and balls and do light cardio exercises.
“We work every muscle group in the body,” Edwards said.
She said there is no excuse for not working out.
“We have people in here that’s had knee, hip and shoulder replacements, so don’t let issues hold you back because we can work around those,” she said.
Larry French, 81, said the class is very helpful to him.
“It keeps me from rusting and makes it so the muscles and bones don’t stop working,” he said.
http://www.daltondailycitizen.com/news/ga_fl_news/silversneakers-class-features-two-members-older-than/article_a344c24c-8423-11e7-8330-3fbd8a0900cd.html
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