The Pinecone
|
September 2013
• 9 •
E x e r c i s e –
The Way It Used To Be
In 1983, Jane Fonda’s VHS
tapes were the way to go.
Every body wore tight
jogging suits, terry cloth
sweat bands, and long tube
socks and calf warmers.
Housewives exercised along
with Richard Simmons who
was known for his flamboyant
exercise programs with fun
music while his afro hairdo
bounced wildly as he exercised
in his short shorts and brightly
colored tank tops. Group
exercise classes were offered
to residents soon after Kirby
Pines opened it’s doors.
Over the years, Kirby Pines recognized
their residents’ interest in improving
their “whole person wellness” that
focusedon their abilities, not disabilities.
So, in the great remodeling of 2001,
offices were converted toThe Oasis with
new exercise equipment
which
included
four
treadmills, free weights
and three arm strength
machines using hydraulics
for resistance. An amazing
feat of digging a hole in
the center of the building
was accomplished to build
a lap pool and Jacuzzi.
Water aerobic classes were
offered as well as other
exercise classes like line
dancing and tai chi.
Today The Oasis
boasts of three
Nusteps, a new
Treadmill, three
arm
strength
machines
and
three leg strength
machines,
a
stationary bike,
free
weights,
and stretching
a s s i s t a n c e
equipment. The
Oasis never closes
and
residents
work out all day
long, seven days a week. Today ten or
more exercise classes are offered each
week, including line dancing and group
exercise classes along with Arthritis
Foundation classes for Tai Chi, Water
Aerobics, and Exercise classes. Twice
a year, a nine-week walking program
is offered. Last year Kirby Pines was
honored by the Arthritis Foundation to
receive Flagship status because we offer
so many Arthritis Foundation Classes.
To keep with the original Kirby Pines
philosophy of wellness, our emphasis
is on residents’ abilities, not their
disabilities.
No matter if you need relief from
arthritis pain or just want to be
active, the Arthritis Foundation’s
nine- week
Walk With Ease
program
can teach you how to safely make
physical activity part of your
everyday life. The Walk With Ease
program is a walking class to help
with balance and strength.
Classes
will begin Sept 9th and run through
November 6th meeting twice a
week, Mondays and Wednesdays
for 9 weeks in the large card room
at 11:00 am.
Each meeting begins
with a pre-walk discussion covering
a specified topic related to exercise
and arthritis, followed by a 10 to 40
minute walk that includes a warm-
up and cool-down, stretches, and
take home exercises that will build
strength for walking. The program
will include a guidebook to be
purchased and lots of surprises and
special encouragements along the
way. Space is limited. Sign up in the
Oasis or the Activities office.
Walk with Ease
begins
Monday
September 9
