HealthWorks Fitness Center has been a key component for many maintaining their physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relying on the services of HealthWorks has become even more important for senior citizens, said Rhonda Sayers, group fitness director at HealthWorks.
“Surprisingly enough during this pandemic, our seniors have had a strong presence within the gym,” Sayers said.
“We all thought they would be afraid to come out and be more isolated to their homes. But we’ve been teaching our seniors for years that exercise is key to their mental, physical and emotional health,” she added.
HealthWorks hosts a number of classes for seniors, including Senior Strength, Chair to Standing YOGA, Acquacise, Water in Motion and Drums Alive. More information on these courses can be found on HealthWorks’ website.
All of these courses offer great health benefits to seniors, Sayers said.
“These classes are really important for our seniors. They help to prevent disease, improve mental health, decrease the risk of falls, improve social engagement and cognitive function, “ Sayers explained. “We like to say here that socialization is first, exercise is second and your medication that is necessary is third; that’s how we try to align our seniors with their own personal health and wellness.”
Sayers encourages anyone wanting to come and participate in a class to call or visit HealthWorks, as they provide a lot of services and work with UnitedHealthcare in managing membership options. The first visit for any guest is free of charge.
Amanda Cooley, public relations manager for the SHARE Foundation, said HealthWorks will be celebrating National Senior Health and Fitness Day on May 26.
“This is the nation’s largest Senior Adult Health promotion event and its goals are to promote the importance of regular physical activity and to highlight organizations locally that are doing that,” Cooley said. “Because this is a well-attended event, it is pending COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions and we should know more the closer we get to May.”