- April 16, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
7_0612_SeniorCenter
7_0612_Senior Center_Silliker
7_0612_SeniorCenter_Judge
7_0612_SeniorCenter_Small
7_0612_SeniorCenter_Thomlinson
7_0612_SeniorCenter_Ussia
7_0612_SeniorCenter2
Fitness Instructor Colleen Ussia has been offering low-impact fitness classes for seniors since January.
Mark Small was never much of a gym rat. But thanks to a new fitness class at the Ormond Beach Senior Center, Small is motivated to work out and stay in shape.
“It has gotten me into a good routine,” Smalls said. “I’m keeping my weight where I want it to be and it helps my golf game. I’ve probably picked up five to ten yards on my drive.”
The SilverSneakers Fitness Program was introduced to the senior center in January by Fitness Instructor Colleen Ussia. It was after working in a senior living facility that Ussia was exposed to how fitness can improve a senior citizen’s quality of life.
“I saw how fitness helped them stay more vibrant,” Ussia said. “I want to help inspire and motivate people to have a better life.”
Ussia, who got certified in 2011, teaches Trim, Tone and Flex class at 8:45 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday. The class is a combination of cardio, strength training and balance improvement.
“We use to have a lot of creaky joints,” John Silliker said. “Now they’re not creaking so much. We tend to get a little couch potato-y so this gives us a motive to go out and get something done.”
The class is free to seniors who have a SilverSneakers health insurance benefit and $4 to those you don’t. Ussia said it’s the success of her students that motivate her to teach.
“I had a lady come in this morning who was so excited when she got up from the pew at church that she didn’t have to hold on,” Ussia said. “She could just get up. She was strong enough. And that just melts your heart.”
