PEAK Center in Lansdale offers fitness classes for seniors

The PEAK Center in Lansdale, Montgomery County, is a series of exercise classes for seniors called Fit for the Future.

During this time of restricted social contact due to COVID- 19, all seniors should be engaging in regular physical activity, which helps to prevent many common diseases, decreases isolation and improves mental health.

The PEAK Center, 606 E. Main St. in Lansdale, Montgomery County, ( part of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services) will be offering two opportunities to get stronger and healthier:

Fit for the Future is a series of six classes from 9: 30 to- 10: 30 am on Mondays ( now through Dec. 7) and on Wednesdays ( today through Dec. 9).

Tai Chi is a series of six classes from noon to 1 p. m. on Fridays ( Nov. 6 through Dec. 18).

The Fit for the Future class is a full- body strength training program with balance components. The class is designed to increase lower body, core strength and flexibility, in order to improve balance and mobility of the participants.

The strength training and stretching of the upper body is designed to increase participants’ ability to carry on with their activities of daily living ( ADL), but also increase strength and flexibility ( range of motion) in order

The PEAK Center in Lansdale, Montgomery County, is offering Fit for the Future, a series of exercise classes for seniors. to respond to an out of balance are used to improve One participant said: during the time we were event ( fall), hopefully strength, flexibility, reaction “When I started class, my closed, and I missed doing lessening chances of a severe time, neuro response balance was very bad, but the exercises. I’m delighted injury. and confidence. now I can stand on one foot to start again.”

Balance activities incorporated “My classes are safe, organized for 30 seconds. I’ve also Tai chi is a Chinese in the classes are and fun,” said instructor gradually increased my form of martial arts that walking on a line, side stepping, Kim Zimmerman. strength from using 1 or 2 involves slow, controlled, one- leg stands and Seniors who have taken lbs to 5 lb weights.” relaxing and low- impact many others. The balance his classes are looking forward Another senior said, “I movements, which are activities, in conjunction to the return of Fit could really notice the loss ideal for seniors, even those with the strength training, For the Future. in my physical condition with limited movement.

Tai chi has often been called “meditation in motion” as it focuses on integrating the mind with the body to carry out slow movements in unison with the breath.

“This form of exercise can help to relieve stress, help with arthritis pain, strengthen the lower body and decrease blood pressure to name just a few of the benefits,” said instructor Darryl Bryant.

Additional benefits to seniors of exercise and physical activity include relief from stress, reduction in bone loss, increased energy and increased mental capacity and concentration.

Join a class by calling The PEAK Center at 215362- 7432 and get a jump on your New Year’s resolutions. The cost of each session is $ 20 ( show or no show) for a six- class series. Payment is due at the first class. There is a minimum requirement of 10 participants in order to hold each series.

Class size is limited to 12 people per session due to Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations for social distancing.

The mission of Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services ( GHNPSS) is to provide access to programs and resources that help older adults live independently and remain active.