Center hosting Fit and Fall Proof classes
Fit and Fall Proof class members pose for a photo at a recent class.
Courtesy photo
Area seniors have been getting fit this year at the free Fit and Fall Proof exercise class at the VFW Hall, located at the Senior Hospitality Center, this year.
The free, hour-long classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. It is part of a state-supported program taught by trained volunteers across five northern counties in Idaho's Panhandle.
The program targets older adults or anyone with a history of falling or fear of falling. The classes safely guide participants through exercises to improve strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and endurance.
Instructors Karen Meeker, a physical therapist and Feldenkrais Method movement specialist, and Cynthia Knittel, a physical therapy assistant with experience in Classical Stretch and senior care, can adapt the class to individual abilities.
They also address functional topics like posture, moving from sitting to standing, reaching and turning — activities that can become more difficult with age. Participants learn strategies to ease pain, prevent injury, increase energy, reduce stress and improve concentration.
With music, balls and other "toys," the sessions remain fun and engaging. Do we stop playing because we get older or do we get older because we stop playing, Meeker and Knittel asked in a press release. They invited the community to come "play" at the classes.
For more information, contact Meeker at 208-946-6008, Knittel at 208-304-4532 or the Senior Hospitality Center at 208-267-4421.