EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series looking at classes and their instructors that cater to area senior citizens.
On a brisk fall day at the West End YMCA in Willoughby dozens of active seniors lifted weights, pulled resistance bands and performed aerobic dance moves.
Leading the lively bunch twice a week is West End Y’s Senior Healthy Living Director Margaret Warner who’s worked with the organization for more than 30 years.
Warner shouts out directives and encouragement throughout the 45-minute session while accompanied by upbeat tunes, many from the 1960 and 1970 eras.
“Walk, move it, step together toward me, go!” she instructed, all while energetically displaying the movements in front of the 32 class participants present that day.
Polka steps familiar to many are among fun facets integrated within the routines.
With a playful tease and referring to a statistic regarding the number of seniors who fulfill the requirements for healthy movement, she told the group “I know there are days when you’d rather be home eating donuts but I thank you for being one of the 14 percent.”
Despite the Y’s mandated shutdown due to the pandemic, Warner said people are steadily returning and the Silver Sneakers Circuit Class is near full capacity. A 3-foot distance continues to be maintained.
She notes that the display of determination and strength shown by the seniors during their
workouts is impressive.
For example, available dumbbells are stored in two baskets, one with lighter weights and another with heavier hefts. Warner noted that the basket storing the heavy weights is often emptied first.
As a former physical education teacher coupled with years of experience promoting healthy living, Warner is well aware of what it takes to remain fit.
“Your body will often choose to hit the ‘easy’ button, but as people age they can get stronger if they work at it and challenge themselves,” she said.
Clad in a T-Shirt claiming “We are Y Stronger Together” a trim Barbara Robertson of Willoughby Hills said the reason she takes the class is “it keeps me alive.” As a diabetic the exercise assists with maintaining lower blood sugar levels and her knees, both of which have been replaced, working well.
Robertson refers to the energetic exercise sessions as “positive, productive and pleasant.”
Jeri Hopeck works out at the Y three to four times a week and says that Warner is a good motivator who also makes the class fun with her vibrant personality.
Staying in shape is important to Hopeck, who lives in Mentor. She ramps up her workouts by riding the
stationary bike and practicing yoga in addition to the circuit class.
“You just feel great afterwards. You feel that you’vemdone something good for yourself so then you can
go shopping or watch TV,” she said.
Warner maintains that socialization and camaraderie among class-goers is another valuable
benefit. Often before she arrives many of the seniors have already gathered, chatting and enjoying each
other’s company.
“Exercise is the thing they’re here for, but socialization and friendships are what keep them
coming back,” she said.
Asked what she would suggest to those contemplating beginning an exercise routine, Warner said “people don’t think they can do it but they can. Start by walking down the hall or driveway. It’s just about movement. It’s simple. You’ve got to move. You’ve got to do something.”
