The Main Line plays host to a bevy of senior-friendly and fun fitness opportunities that offer great workout plans through a variety of activities and levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), activity in adults decreases significantly with age. For adults age 75, the CDC estimates that a third of men and half of women in the U.S. don’t engage in any physical activity.
Being active—even walking or gardening—in both small and larger increments, has health benefits, including helping control joint swelling and pain, being able to live independently longer, reducing risk of bone injury and helping reduce blood pressure, among many other benefits.
Experiment with one of these local exercise classes for helping both body and mind.
Slow and Steady
T’ai Chi
Try a very still form of both cardio and strength training with T’ai Chi, which requires holding positions that can help with balance and blood pressure at Tranquil T’ai Chi & Qigong in Berwyn. Owner Ted Straub has significant experience working with senior citizens and lauds the form of martial arts for being “an effective complimentary health strategy for many chronic conditions.” In addition to strengthening the immune system, Straub says it can benefit those with Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Yoga
Yoga is recognized for its temperate conditioning of muscle toning and balance for all ages and abilities. Awakening Wellness in Malvern is popular among the over-80 crowd. “We have a good number of seniors that come consistently to our classes,” owner Lori Rossi says. She listed Gentle Yoga and Restorative Yoga as the most frequently attended senior-friendly classes.
Hot and Healthy
Zumba Gold
Just like Zumba, but catered to an older crowd, Zumba Gold at the Media Borough Community Center lets seniors shake it to Latin tunes and lots of encouragement.
Line-dancing
The Wayne Senior Center offers line-dancing classes, a chance to learn a new genre of dance, and socialize for older folks with any level of mobility.
Rackets and Paddles
Badminton
For an all-ages approach to a good time working out, have try badminton with your grandkids at the Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn. Anyone over the age of five is welcome to play Fridays, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout July. Register a couple days before to ensure your spot and bring your own racket.
Pickleball
A paddle sport reminiscent of tennis or ping-pong, pickleball is fast-paced and all the rage among older Main Liners. Try your hand at this popular game at Ellis Athletic Center in Newtown Square. “We have Pickleball scheduled for Mondays from 5:30-7pm and [it] is free for EAC members and $4 for non-members,” general manager Patrick Sarne says.
