Exercise classes for older adults are free during September at the Family Y.
Residents 55 and older can participate in the Silver Sneakers or Active America program at North Augusta's Family Y, 1147 Georgia Ave.
"People should come in between 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday (to sign up)," Family Y branch director Brianna Lamb said. "Their best bet is to come in at 10 a.m. if they want to participate in a class (that day)."
Classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Silver Sneakers is a class that is cardiovascular based, including low-impact aerobics performed while standing and seated. Active America is group weight training, Lamb said.
At a Silver Sneakers class on Aug. 24, the regular group grooved to the oldies during their aerobic exercises.
"It is better to do this with a group than by ourselves," Silver Sneakers member George Hays said. "It is just a good group of people and we have socials once a month."
Regular aerobics also keeps older adults from visiting the doctor as frequently, Hays said.
"Step together step (the two-step) is my favorite part of the class," Silver Sneaker Emily Goodman said. "I like the bounciness and dance routine of it."
Coming to work out is a pleasure, not a task, Goodman said.
"Everybody seems to have a good time," she said. "It's not a drudgery and you want to come."
The promotion started Sept. 3 and different activities are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
On Thursday, from 10 a.m. until noon, senior adults can come in for free body fat testing and measurements.
To ensure there is enough volunteers and space, Lamb said interested older adults should call to pre-register.
"The second week (of September) we are having core-strength exercises; the third-week group exercises on treadmills, ellipticals and bicycles; and the fourth-week is free weights," Lamb said. "The activities during the second, third and fourth week are from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (Tuesdays and Thursdays)."
The programs are always free for Humana Gold carriers and, during the promotion, everyone can try the classes for free.
For more information, or to pre-register for the body fat testing, call the Family Y at (803) 278-0882.
Reach Crystal Garcia at crystal.garcia@northaugustatoday.com.
