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September 12, 2005

Seniors stretch for better health in fitness classes

Senior fitness classes at the Sacramento State Life Center prove that no one's ever too old to get in shape. The center, located at the Julia Morgan House at 3731 T St., offers specially-designed classes such as yoga, tai chi and "stretching and strengthening" to meet seniors' fitness needs. The center also offers free fall health forums once a month.

Yoga classes are offered from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays and 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays for $25 per month. The exercises emphasize deep relaxation and proper breathing techniques to improve circulation, posture and balance. Classes are held at The Yoga Solution at 887 57 th St., Ste. B.

The ancient discipline of Tai Chi focuses the mind and body during exercises and develops strength, flexibility and concentration. The classes are offered from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays for $20 per month.

The Balance and Fall Risk Reduction class is designed to improve balance by exercising key muscle groups. The class runs from 2 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, from Sept. 26 to Nov. 9, with a fee of $125. A balance assessment and screening of each participant is included in the fees.

The Balance and Fitness class is a continuation of the Balance and Fall Risk Reduction class, and is for participants who want a workout while improving balance. The class is offered from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and costs $45 per month.

The Fitness for Life class is designed for seniors with physical or medical challenges such as arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or muscle weakness from a lack of exercise. Many of the exercises will be performed while seated and at the individual pace of the participant. The class is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and has a $50 per month fee.

Seniors can improve their overall flexibility and strength in the Stretching and Strengthening class, which focuses on developing proper body mechanics, balance and posture. The class has sessions from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., 10 to 11 a.m., and 11:05 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (there's currently no 8:45 a.m. class on Mondays). Sessions are $45 per month.

In the Strength and Circuit Training class, participants will exercise with equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes and physio-balls. Class times are 5 to 6 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Fees are $50 per month.

The Fall Speakers Series has forums from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on one Friday each month. Topics are as follows:

• Sept. 16, "How to Get the Most Nutrients From Your Foods"

• Oct. 14, "Healthy Living Through Recreation"

• Nov. 18, "When to Use Alternative Medicine"

• Dec. 9, "Brain Gymnasium"

For more information on classes and forums, leave a message with the Life Center at (916) 278-5028. Your inquiry will be responded to in a timely manner. You can visit the Life Center's website at www.hhs.csus.edu/LifeCenter. For media assistance, contact Life Center director Lois Boulgarides at (916) 278-5047 or the Sacramento State Public Affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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