Betty Ehart Senior Center. Photo by Elizabeth Coons/LARSO

BY BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO

This week, new classes start at the Betty Ehart Senior Center, some in-person and some you can do right in your own home. Next month additional classes hope to be added at the White Rock Senior Center. Members ages 60 and over are welcome to use either center at no cost. Those members ages 50-59 pay an annual $20 membership.

Jacci Gruninger will teach a seated chair yoga class at 11 a.m. on Mondays. Students are asked for a $5 donation, to help the instructor with costs. Gruninger also has a variety of other in-person and on-line classes. According to Gruninger, this class is great for anyone with mobility issues, chronic pain or balance issues. If you are unavailable to attend on Monday, reach out to the senior center for more information.

Next, the Los Alamos Cooperative Extension is offering an updated class called Strong Seniors, Strong Bones. This class taught by Desaree Jimenez, is perfect for those over 50. It has been shown to help with mental health, strength and balance. If you would like to be independent for a longer period of time, this class is for you. It starts at 10 a.m. Tuesday with additional classes to follow. This class is taught at no fee for students. 

Finally, Zumba instructor Natalie Smith has taken time to record a Strength and Balance class for seniors on DVD. This class is done at a slow pace with some seated exercises. The goal is to improve balance for seniors to build good habits.  The DVDs are available at the Betty Ehart Senior Center for $15, with $5 going to the instructor and $10 covering the cost of recording and printing the DVD. Our thanks to Jean Gindreau of PAC-8 for taking the time to assist our seniors.

To learn more, or request information, on any of these classes, call (505) 662-8920 or email Director@losalamosseniorcenter.com.