Senior Center Offers Fitness Tips

GRAND TERRACE>> Whether you are an everyday exerciser or fitness wannabe, being active later in life is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Among its many bonuses, exercise helps reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and breast and colon cancers. Exercise also strengthens your muscles and bones, so you are able to keep doing the things you love. A good way to start is to join the exercise classes at the Grand Terrace Senior Center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. The classes are low impact but use the muscles that may not have been used for a while or do not get to be used through daily activities. Another great way to start exercise is to walk for five minutes every day, working up to 30 minutes or more on all or most days. To strengthen your arms, shoulders and chest, try wall push ups, which are easier than getting down on the floor. Place your palms against a wall and lean your body forward to the count of four. Repeat 10 times for one set, rest a minute and repeat for a second set. Do what you can even if you have difficulty and you will see that it gets easier and you will feel much better. Seniors can also try joint-friendly activities, such as bicycling, swimming, rowing, or using an elliptical machine. Grand Terrace Senior Center has served seniors and adults in the area since 1958. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call the office at 909.824.1491. Jane Haines is the president of the Grand Terrace Senior Center, located at , located at 22627 Grand Terrace Rd. in Grand Terrace.