Chuck Jutz, who has been a member of Vicky Langer’s fitness class for the last four years, said he always feels better at the end.
“This 1946 original model still has all its original parts,” joked Jutz about his own aging body.
Anyone over 60 who wants to reduce injury, particularly to prevent falling, might be smart to try the free, twice-weekly exercise class from Langer, which aims to improve a person’s strength and balance in a fun, social setting.
Jutz said his daughter recently thanked him for taking care of himself. He credits the positive comments from family members and the renewed energy he feels to the hour-long class that includes light aerobics, weight lifting and lots of stretching.
Langer, a middle school teacher who retired from the classroom in 2013, said she feels inspired by the loyal group of seniors who come to the church basement room to exercise twice a week.
“We average about 15 people each class,” said Langer. “Most of our group is in the 60 to 90 year old range.”
For the last eight years, Langer has been leading the strength, balance and fitness class for adults aged 55-plus evidence based exercise classes at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield. SAIL, which stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life, targets those who want to improve their health through exercise.
Marlene Levine, active aging programs administrator, said SAIL exercises gives seniors an additional reason to spring out of bed every morning.
Levine said most SAIL classes held in southern Minnesota receive funding through the Americorps Seniors program, as well as through the active aging programs of Catholic Charities. All the class leaders are volunteers who have been trained in the standardized exercises either in person or through You Tube videos.
“All class leaders are welcome to bring their own ideas to class in addition to the standardized exercises that incorporates stretching, strength, balance and aerobics,” said Levine.
The evidence-based program was developed by fitness researchers at the Washington State Department of Health between 2010 and 2012, she said. The classes are offered free because the proven results of increased cardiovascular health qualify for federal government funding.
Levine explained that the mandatory sections of the hour-long class address balance with exercises done by walking, standing, turning and reaching; strength using dumbbells and ankle weights; and a cardiovascular workout that includes 15 to 18 minutes of moderate aerobics.
“The instructors use music with a gradually increasing tempo to add variety to the active aging movement routines,” she said.
Langer said she stopped using music in her classes a few years ago because she thought it was distracting. Instead, she counts down the number of repetitions so the ring of exercisers spread out around her can easily follow along.
“I hear all the benefits from our participants,” she said. “Most everyone says they feel stronger, have more energy and that their balance has improved.”
Other participants said they have enjoyed making new friends, while keeping up with old friends each week. A carpool group of 3 or 4 drives in from Dundas. One member used to invite the class over to her house for coffee afterwards, and sometimes for lunch.
“Everybody in this room does more physical activities outside of class,” said Langer. “They are walkers and swimmers and yogis. They feel better, stronger and more confident of their movements.”
Just The Facts Free SAIL (Stay Active & Independent for Life) classes are offered in Northfield at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 3rd St. W. on Tuesday and Friday at 9-10 a.m. All equipment if provided. When attending for the first time, arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete an informed consent form. bdc2178c-1be6-41af-8f7e-b16edce2aa8e
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