Strong summer seniors: Two free classes for St. Albans seniors to stay active and healthy this season

By Aidan Schonbrun, published by the Saint Albans Messenger on July 22nd, 2024

ST. ALBANS – Two free classes put on by Age Well Vermont and MVP Health Care are encouraging older adults to stay fit and active in the community this summer. 

The classes run until the middle of August and are instructor-led. Space is limited for both the walking and Aqua Fit exercise classes, however, and an MVP membership is not required. 

The classes are geared toward those aged 60+ with activities curated to reflect their age but are open to all. 

Tracey Shamberger, director of communications at Age Well, said these programs allow seniors to stay healthy in a safe environment.

“The benefit is to make sure the older adults in our community are provided access to free, accessible high quality programming that keeps them fit and engages them with others so they can make friends and have a good time and reap the benefits of wellness,” Shamberger said.

The first of the classes, which started at the beginning of the month and still has some slots open, is the “Strength and Striders Walking Classes.” 

The walking fitness class is held at St. Albans City Hall on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with the class happening until Aug. 21. Those in attendance will go through strength and balance exercises and learn new ways to increase mobility.  

The classes are led by certified fitness instructor, Dr. Fran Tougas, and are performed at a low to moderate intensity level. Individuals are encouraged to go at their own pace. 

From July 13 to Aug. 17, St. Albans Recreation Department joined the other hosts to help host an Aqua Fit class at Hard’Ack pool at 264 Hard’Ack Drive on Saturday mornings from 9:45-10:45 a.m. 

In the shallow waters of the pool, seniors enrolled in the class will be improving agility, strength and core support as well as exercises for balance and posture. 

The class is instructor led by BJ Farnham, a longtime Hard’Ack “enthusiast,” and can range between moderate to high intensity levels, with modifications offered in some circumstances. 

These classes provide an activity for seniors to make new connections while living a healthy lifestyle. A key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is staying socially engaged, Shamberger said. 

Read the full article on the St. Albans Messenger website.