Garaway Senior Center offers free exercise classes

As we age, our joints and muscles can become stiff and less flexible, increasing the risk of injury through falls or declining strength. These are not inevitable parts of aging, however. The Garaway Senior Center, a satellite of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center, offers weekly exercise classes to help retain or gain back flexibility, strength and range of motion. The classes are held every Monday and Friday morning at 10 a.m. and last about one hour. Garaway Senior Center manager Marley Miller said the classes are free and open to anyone, male or female, age 55 or older. “There is no sign-up required,” Miller said. “And there is no charge. Just show up and begin ... It is definitely important to keep moving and try to stay limber at all stages of life. We hear all the time from people in the class that it really does help them feel better and move more freely. Sometimes the hardest part is taking that first step and coming to class.” The exercises are not high-energy, difficult or dangerous to do. Instead the classes are made up of low-impact exercises. “We use a chair, some weights and flexible bands for our classes,” Miller said. “We concentrate on maintaining or restoring flexibility and range of motion, which are both important in maintaining an independent life, free of accidental injury. If you want to work on being able to move more freely and perhaps getting your heart rate up, this is perfect for you.” But there’s no need to be concerned about doing too much. “Everything can be modified to your needs. We don’t expect our class participants to start right out doing things outside their ability or comfort zone,” Miller said. “All our classes move at a pace suited to the individual.”All classes are conducted by an instructor who has been trained for the task at the county Senior Center. Miller said the classes have been offered for at least a dozen years. “I think many are unaware of the class availability. We have smaller classes at the moment and plenty of space available for people who would like to get some exercise on a regular basis,” Miller said.Muscles become shorter and weaker as time goes on. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, stretching and exercise are a critical part of maintaining strength and flexibility in older years, enabling greater independence and quality of life. “About 1-in-3 U.S. adults age 65 or older fall each year,” the association website explains. “More than half of adults over 65 report problems with movement including walking one-fourth of a mile, stooping and standing. Group-based exercises … can improve movement and balance and reduce your risk of falls.”Nearly 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by unexpected falls. Other benefits of regular exercise include bone strengthening, heart health, diabetes prevention and overall sense of well-being. The Garaway Senior Center is located at the Belden Community Center, 221 Dover Road, Sugarcreek (behind the football fields). For more information about the classes call 330-852-1311.