Los Alamos Reporter

Los Alamos Senior Activity Center & YMCA To Collaborate On Helping Seniors Get Fit

YMCA and local senior centers are collaborating on a fitness program for seniors. Courtesy photo

BY JACCI GRUNINGER
Executive Director
LARSO

Envisioning a senior strength training is pretty far from the vision of a senior sitting in a rocking chair. However, lifting weights is important for anyone over 60. 

How Weight Training Helps The Senior Body

After 50, muscle tone declines by 15% each decade, and eventually you become more prone to poor balance and falling. In fact, falls and fractures are one of the main causes for hospitalization for seniors. When a senior falls, it is the gateway to losing their independence. In addition to cardiovascular activities, seniors should consider weight training.

The American College Of Sports Medicine recommends weight training for all people over age 50 and tells us even those into their 90s can benefit. With regular strength training, balance improves, walking pace is faster and more steady, and climbing stairs is less difficult. All this means falls are less likely to happen.

  • Develop stronger bones and slows age related muscle loss
  • Improves mobility and endurance
  • Improves range of motion
  • It can also help those with arthritis and joint pain to improve their pain management
  • Can increase weight loss by boosting metabolism
  • Helps maintain glucose control
  • Increases motivation and self-confidence
  • Enhances sleep and focus
  • Provides community

To support our seniors, the Senior Activity Centers and the YMCA are partnering to offer Personal Training sessions for Senior Activity Center members at both Betty Ehart and White Rock. “As trainers we are really excited to serve more of our community and look forward to working with the Senior Center members!” -Ali Hansel, PT and Group Exercise Instructor.

Gruninger says, “this is an exciting opportunity for our members. We have fully equipped fitness facilities at both centers. There is no cost to be a member of our center so working out is free. This collaboration with the YMCA will allow us to step up our offerings to support our members.”

For more information, call (505) 662-8920.