National Senior Health & Fitness Day

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is an annual health and wellness event for older adults. The 30th annual event is set for Wednesday, May 31, 2023. More than 100,000 older adults will participate in local health events across the country. The goals of National Senior Health & Fitness Day are to promote the importance of regular physical activity and to show what local organizations are doing to improve the health of older adults in their communities.

At Friendship Centers of Emmet County, we encourage senior health and wellness by offering daily fitness opportunities throughout the week. Join us at any of these fitness events on Wednesday, May 31 for a chance to win a door prize:

Petoskey Friendship Center
9:00 am General Fitness
10:00 am Line Dancing

Downtown Petoskey
10:00 am Weekly Wednesday Walk

Brutus Friendship Center
10:30 am Yoga for All

Senior Fitness Classes

In-person group exercise classes have resumed at the Petoskey Friendship Center. All of our fitness classes are available to seniors age 60 and older and their spouses. Classes are designed so that almost everyone can participate regardless of skill level. Experienced instructors lead these fun 45-minute classes focusing on strength, balance, and flexibility. Please remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after exercising. For those unable to attend, prerecorded sessions of some classes are available on our website and on our Facebook page for you to participate in the comfort of your home at any time. We hope you will continue to get and stay fit with these classes and videos, and we would love to hear any feedback you have about them. Classes are available by donation.

Yoga
Certified Yoga teacher, Janet Henning, will lead this class with a focus on reducing stress and pain while increasing strength and flexibility. The class takes place at the Petoskey Friendship Center on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. The class also takes place at the Huber (Brutus) Senior Center on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Dress comfortably and bring your own yoga mat if you have one. A chair for balance is available if needed or if you prefer to participate while sitting. In the event the instructor is not available to teach the class in person, a prerecorded session will be played for those in attendance.

Senior Exercise
Physical Therapists from OrthoSport Physical Therapy lead this fitness class on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. Dress comfortably and bring your stress ball to classes. When weather permits, the class will be held outside. In the event that an instructor is not available to teach the class in person, a prerecorded session will be played for those in attendance.

Cardio Drumming
Come join this group and beat to the music for a fun workout. Using large exercise balls and drumsticks, cardio drumming is a fun and simple aerobic exercise that gets your heart rate up, improves your rhythm, and burns calories. The group meets at the Petoskey Friendship Center on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Like our other fitness groups, you may use a chair if needed.

Senior Line Dancing
Get in shape, learn basic line dancing moves, and have fun dancing to the music. This group meets on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Petoskey Friendship Center. Those new to line dancing can meet at the Beginners’ Group on Tuesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Swatball
Swatball is a seated version of volleyball using a balloon-type ball. This great workout is loads of laughs. No experience is necessary. This group will meet on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. beginning in May.

Tai Chi is a gentle exercise combining slow movement, deep breathing, and focused intention. Gretchen Stelter, certified instructor, will lead this six-week class of Tai Chi for Health. This class will help to prevent falls and reduce chronic pain. You will also increase strength, balance, and posture, as well as improve your mind, body, and spirit.

The free six-week class begins Friday, April 14. Sessions last 45 minutes. Classes start at 9:00 a.m. at the Petoskey Friendship Center and 10:30 a.m. at the Huber Senior Center in Brutus. Choose either location for each Friday of the 6-week program. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your water bottle.

For more information, contact Enrichment Director at 231-347-3211, ext. 119, or [email protected].