It was -13ºF outside, but things were heating up inside the Waterville Area Senior Center, Thursday morning, February 3.
There’s music. There’s laughter. And, there’s exercise.
There’s also a handmade sign taped in the front of the room that reads: Stop if you get tired. Sit and rest or sway side to side instead of marching. It’s Okay!
It’s the local S.A.I.L. (Stay Active and Independent for Life) exercise program.
The twice-a-week program is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Southern MN’s Aging Program and is free to those aged 55 and older. The space is provided by the City of Waterville.
“It used to be called Bonebuilders back in the day,” explained Cindy Hauer, who is one of six trained local S.A.I.L. leaders. “It’s been held at different places in the area over the years, but now, we meet at the Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, which I think is working well.”
On this particular morning, approximately 10 ladies participated in the recent one-hour class.
Together, they completed a series of warmups, aerobics, balance exercises, strength training, stretching, and education.
Each participant has a chair near them on which to lean or sit if they need to slow down.
All the exercises can be...
To see more on this story pick up the February 10, 2022 print edition of the LifeEnterprise.
Free exercise class keeps seniors active & independent
