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37| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M arch 8,2018 theifp.ca SENSATIONAL SENIORS They say sitting is the new smoking. But you can do a lot of good while sitting if you are serious about improv- ing your health and mobil- ity, says fitness instructor Diane Duda. She runs a regular "chair yoga" session as part of the Sit to be Fit clas- ses at the Sherwood li- brary and other branches for the Alzheimer Society. Sit to be Fit is a low im- pact workout for seniors. Classes focuses on strength, balance, flexibil- ity and endurance, which help to improve and main- tain daily living skills. Exercise balls, tension bands and lightweight sticks are all included in chair yoga workouts that help a person stretch, build up strength and in- crease range of motion. "We try to do a little bit of everything," says Duda. While it's best to start young and continue with exercise throughout one's life, the Sit to be Fit classes are designed with every- one in mind. There's no pressure if you can't perform the exer- cises to the same level as others in a class. "You do the workout at your own pace and your own abilities," says Duda. She has people as old as 96 taking her classes and helps tailor a workout to individuals. "Use it or lose it," says Duda. "It's better to move a little bit than not at all." Donna Kiernan says she is proof of how much Sit to be Fit can help a per- son. "I couldn't lift my arms up before I started the clas- ses," she says. "Now I lift my arms up, I dry my hair, it's a big improvement." Linda Purdy, who has been taking the class for about 18 months, is anoth- er fan of Sit to be Fit. She says it took less than two months of steady workouts to notice a big improve- ment. "It's very enjoyable," she says. "It keeps you mo- bile." "We all look forward to it." For a list of Sit to be Fit locations and times, call 1- 866-428-1552 or see alzhn.ca or hpl.ca. Seniors staying fit by exercising while they sit Special classes offered by Alzheimer Society at Hamilton libraries GORD BOWES gordbowes@hamiltonnews.com Fitness instructor Diane Duda of the Alzheimer Society leads a session of "chair yoga" at Sherwood library. Metroland file photo Please call for a tour 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Accredited by: R.R. 2, Guelph 519-856-4622 www.edenhousecarehome.ca 130 Mill Street East, Acton 519-853-0079 Full & Partial Dentures Implant Retained Dentures Precision Dentures (BPS® Certified) Relines, Additions & Repairs Dental Lab On Site No Referrals Needed To advertise on this page call Kelli: 905-234-1018 or email kkosonic@theifp.ca