Keeping Fit In Penfield’s Silver Sneakers

“Eleven months into 2009, Arlene Helget has managed to keep her New Year’s resolution of going to the gym. Helget, 68, of Penfield joined the Silver Sneakers workout group at Lifetime Fitness on Jan. 1. She’d been looking for a way to stay active since she had hip replacement surgery about two years ago and wanted to fend off stiff joints. A neighbor of hers suggested Silver Sneakers. ‘I’m not somebody who gets really excited about gym activities,’ Helget said. ‘I have to force myself into it.’ Now, she’s at the gym four days a week, bending and twisting and lifting light weights. She takes Silver Sneakers I, a low-impact class that focuses on range of motion. The class and gym membership are free for seniors with MVP Health Care. Helget is one of about 50 people who take Silver Sneakers I or II (a more cardiovascular workout) at Lifetime Fitness. ‘The camaraderie is a big part of why we go,’ Helget said. ‘We just have fun together.’”

http://rocnow.com/article/our-towns/2009911110301