Sarah Brown
What started out as a small group of half a dozen members in the exercise program at the Sweet Home Senior Center two decades ago has flourished into a healthy thrice-weekly gathering of almost 30 people today.
At 94 years old, Betty Postma is probably the oldest and one of the longest-standing members in the class.
“Heavens, I started doing this at the senior center downtown, so I’ve been here forever,” Postma said.
Delena Gilman leads the class, and believes the growth is attributed mostly to word of mouth, but admits the people enjoy each other.
“They usually start because they need some exercise, but they usually keep coming because we’re such a fun group to be in,” she said.
Gilman took over the class about 21 years ago when it was held in the old building downtown, and later took a course to find new exercises through the Arthritis Foundation called People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE).
“I kind of built on that through the years and developed a routine. We kind of do the same routine all the time, but people seem to like it.”
Participants perform a variety of exercises that stretch each muscle, including finger curls and a move that mimics a chicken flapping its wings. Gilman lets out a roar while leading the finger curls, as if she’s a lion about to attack, and others follow along with roars and meows.
“That’s just a little humor thrown in, because laughter really is a good exercise,” Gilman said.
Sometimes the exercises are performed while sitting. Other times, participants stand and use the chair for balance, or use blocks for stepping.
“You can do as much or as little as you want, and you can change it to fit what you need,” said Tonni Hutchison, who’s been going to the class for almost five years. “My arm doesn’t go up and do all the stuff that everybody else’s does, so I do other things.”
“Like, the mouth,” interjected Marina Orri, using her hand to suggest Hutchison talks a lot.
“I’m gonna pop you one,” Hutchison retorted.
They both laughed.
Orri has been going to the class for about a year and said she enjoys the low-impact work, but appreciates the fun and “weird” people.
It seems socialization is half the reason why most attend the class.
Jan Forrester, a recent transplant from Maine, agreed she likes the social aspect and the jesting.
“Everybody’s nuts. It’d be really boring if we weren’t. It’s a good group,” she said.
When classmates are out for surgery or some illness, the group prays and sends cards, she said. Forrester joined the group about a year and a half ago in order to rehabilitate herself following hospital stays.
“I came in for balance control, but I get all kinds of other things too,” she said.
Pointing to her right leg she said, “This leg was really hard. When I would first stand up, it would just cramp.”
The exercises made the cramps go away, she said with a smile that indicated relief.
George Hughes, one of the few men in the group, joined the class after he had a stroke. In fact, several members are recovering from strokes.
“I came here from rehab where we were doing exercises, but not enough,” Hughes said. “This class is much better. It keeps me moving because, other than doing this, I was just sitting at home watching television or something.”
On this day, Hughes was the only man in class.
“The women are the die-hards, (but not the men) except George,” Orri said. “He’s had a lot of medical issues, but he would go every day if he could.”
Hutchison added: “He’s our pet. Everybody spoils George.”
The class is held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Senior Center, 880 18th Ave.
The early morning time helps beat the summer heat, but Sharon Livezey noted it also helps “get your motor running in the morning.”
Everyone is welcome.
“It’s for anybody,” Orri said. Looking to Hutchison, she added, “We even have old hippies, so everybody’s welcome.”