Seniors enjoying exercise program

“Seniorcise,” a gentle chair side exercise program for seniors, is in full swing at the Queen Street and Golden Age manors supervised by Joanne Judson-Riding and Barbara Duguay of the Home Support office.
I had the chance to watch seniors go through the routine at both manors last Wednesday morning, with Judson-Riding using video to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Six months ago, Duguay and Tatjana Lekasevics, both studying Gerontology, introduced the program at the Queen Street Manor–designing it to meet the needs of seniors. The class was run for eight weeks and the group fell in love with the results.
Sugar levels are down, high blood pressure showed a decrease, and all felt they were more agile not to mention mentally healthier.
The course was set up so the group could follow along with a tape, which allowed them to continue after Duguay and Lekasevics left. And much to their surprise, the group continued to meet three times a week.
In fact, the instructors felt such an accomplishment over the success of the program that it made their studying more important and worthwhile.
“I’m so lucky to have volunteer Joanne Judson-Riding helping to motivate the groups and keep them on top of new ideas,” noted Duguay, adding her helper will be taking the senior fitness instructor course this year.
Anyone interested in exercising with the group may attend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. sharp at Queen Street Manor and Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Golden Age Manor.
The group welcomes newcomers.
“With our aging population, programs must be offered to meet the needs of seniors,” stressed Duguay, and that means adapting an exercise program that is not intimidating to the individual while promoting a healthier lifestyle.
In Fort Frances, Darlene Nugent operates “seniorcise” programs every Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Lady Frances Manor.