Aerobics For The Ages

I’ve been going to an aerobics class taught at my local community center especially for senior citizens. The first time I went to this class, I peeked in the doorway and saw several rows of folding chairs. At each chair were a brightly colored ball, a pair of hand weights and a colored band secured with handles on each end. I felt disappointment assuming this meant low-impact sitting exercises geared for those not able to manage strenuous movement.  I determined that I’d complete the class and continue my search for something more challenging. I learned very quickly that though this class was labeled “Silver Sneakers Workout,” the 45-minute class was not confined to sitting exercises. The majority of class time was spent in constant upright motion. The class meets Monday through Friday and has four rotating instructors. Each has her own method of instruction and varies the routines to challenge every part of the body. Even the exercises involving sitting are not only challenging, but invigorating. Time goes by rapidly and the attendees offer encouragement and support to one another.

Music from the fifties and sixties make the experience reminiscent of a sock hop as I found myself recalling those times on the gymnasium floor gyrating to hits of the day, trying out the latest dance craze, being dreamy-eyed about Elvis, hoping to be invited to the Prom, wondering if my crush noticed the new jumper I wore, and hoping the English teacher didn’t call on me to recite Julius Caesar’s speech. All I wanted to do was lose myself in the music. Now I do aerobics hoping to extend my quality of life. Back then, I just wanted to dance. These days I’m trying to get through the set with less enthusiasm than in days gone by.

The aerobic enthusiast learns to be conversant to the particular idioms used therein. For instance, the grapevine threatens to entangle my two left feet.  My cha-cha looks more like a chu-chu, space I leave when jumping rope doesn’t give much clearance, and the V step often resembles a sloppy W.  I half expected an exercise that involved rubbing my tummy and patting my head. I often found myself laughing at my own ineptness and not being at all embarrassed by the collective antics of myself or my two dozen cohorts. During one routine, the instructor called out, “breathe.”  I found that funny because these days my everyday goal is to keep breathing.  That’s why I’ve added daily aerobics to my day; to add quality time to my life teetering on the top rung of the ladder. The other thing about this class is that you do what you feel like doing. Some in the class have various issues that keep them from being able to raise their arms over their heads or even standing too long at a time. That’s okay, you just dial down and do what you can. The important thing is that you’re moving.

If you’re contemplating joining an exercise class, ask your doctor for verification of your physicality. I recently had an EKG and an echocardiogram and was given clearance to enjoy the challenge of aerobics. One more thing. I’ve had an issue of my right leg and ankle swelling which is why I went to a cardiologist to be sure I didn’t have any heart disease. What I’ve found since I started the aerobics, is that the swelling that is not only unattractive, it’s painful, is not nearly so pronounced. I’m thrilled about that.