Lots of sunshine. High around 15F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..
Tonight
Partly cloudy this evening then becoming cloudy with periods of light snow after midnight. Low 8F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Six days a week, including twice on Wednesdays and Fridays, several residents of The Meadows, along with residents of the Good Neighbor Society villas, gather in a space at The Meadows for an exercise class.
Led by Recreation Director Leticia Timmerman, the group goes through a series of low-impact exercises, beginning with the lower body and working up to the neck.
“We do the first half of the exercises seated, then the second half standing up,” Timmerman explained. “We want these exercises to be safe and we want to be active in all areas of the body.”
Timmerman also has participants use resistance bands, which she said are, “easy to hold on to and allows us to work to be able to stretch and work on our biceps and shoulder muscles.”
On Thursdays, following the 15-minute exercise class, Timmerman offers a 10-minute weight class using two-pound weights.
“Those are 10-minute classes and are always safe and low impact. I encourage people to do 10 reps, but want people only doing what they feel comfortable doing. So, if they feel any discomfort, they need to do lower reps, maybe only two or three. I want them to do whatever works for them and their body. I always advocate for them to listen to their body and know when to back off.”
Meadows resident Bob Francois lifts weights six days a week, including twice on Wednesdays, and also participates in weights.
“I come out to keep my muscles in shape,” the 93-year-old former Marine said. “I hope it makes me stronger — this is a great program and we all need this at our age.”
The range of ages for attendees is from the 70s to two participants who are 101. Timmerman said regardless of age, the exercises benefit everyone.
“I have seen people come to the class and have limited mobility and range of motion. Then they come on a regular basis, do what they can and they see an increase in their range of motion.”
Marilyn Wilburn lives in the villas and has been coming to exercise class Monday through Friday since she moved five years ago.
“I like that this gets me up in the morning and gets me moving,” she said. “I just feel better doing it.”
Timmerman has the exercise routine printed for residents, so if they can’t make the class, they can do it in their room or in their homes. She knows the importance of her residents remaining active.
“When we keep our bodies moving and are active, we decrease the risk for falls. The daily exercises really strengthen all their muscles and make them safer.”
