New Fitness Program Is Designed For Seniors

Take the first step!

A Senior Fitness Program at the Newtown Youth Academy (NYA) will begin Monday, October 15, and run three days a week through November 2.

“This is base-level resistance training, and will start seniors on wellness training,” said NYA fitness instructor Cody Foss. He and other trainers plan to meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the academy lobby at noon and begin an hourlong walk/exercise routine along the Fairfield Hills trails.

The free community fitness program will offer a safe, fun, motivating, and informative environment specifically for seniors to improve their levels of fitness. The program will incorporate walking sessions and fitness band exercises and will address balance, flexibility, aerobic and strength training, and basic nutrition to help increase energy, coordination, and overall strength.

“We are trying to incorporate walking as a major cardio component and show seniors how to have a workout with little equipment of their own,” said Mr Foss. He hopes the fitness routine will become part of an overall wellness plan that seniors can execute on their own, he said. The first 20 participants will receive a free exercise band.

What should seniors expect? “We are going to walk a certain distance, perform an activity, walk again, and perform another activity,” Mr Foss explained. Instructors will lead different exercises including generic stretch and balance. “We will combine cardio with a supervised strength workout as well,” he said.

All registration should go through the Parks and Recreation Department. Register by October 15. Last-minute registrants can sign up on October 15, but should arrive at the NYA by 11 am. The program is limited to 40 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open online through Newtown Parks and Recreation, www.newtown-ct.gov, click on Parks & Recreation, Activity# 108201

A waiver must be filled out prior to participation and doctor’s clearance provided if necessary.

Seniors should bring a resistance band with handles. Wear appropriate exercise attire and shoes. Instructors include Mr Foss, Susan McMullen, Joanne Sherwood, and Angie Taylor.

The Senior Fitness Program is presented by the Newtown Youth Academy and Newtown Parks & Recreation, and sponsored by the Newtown Lions Club. Call the Parks and Recreation Department with questions at 203-270-4340.