YMCA event emphasizes fitness is attainable at any age
Dee Ann Demby walked senior citizens at the Butler YMCA through yoga poses paired with controlled breathing Wednesday, which was meant to relieve muscle tightness and pain by strengthening their joints.
While the lesson, which was given for free at the YMCA’s National Senior Health and Fitness Day, was not molded specifically for senior citizens, Demby said it was meant to be accessible because Hatha yoga can be beneficial to of all ages.
“I don’t treat them like they’re old, I just gear it towards humans,” Demby said. “It’s about balance, focus and awareness and it can help fix a lot of things.”
The YMCA, 339 N. Washington St., organizes an event every year to recognize Senior Health and Fitness Day, because according to member engagement specialist Brenda McGuire, seniors make up a good portion of memberships at the YMCA.
In addition to offering free exercise and fitness classes for non-members to try, the staff brings in local businesses and organizations to speak with senior citizens, answer their questions and provide resources aimed at filling different needs that have arisen in their golden years.
Some organizations attending were Lutheran SeniorLife, Newhaven Court at Clearview and United Healthcare. Each sponsored booths where people could find resources or information.