Exercise Balls Put To New Use

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

LINCOLN -- Lincoln Senior Center has a new exercise program that uses large exercise balls, drum sticks and colorful scarves.

Lynette Ellis teaches the new class called Drums Alive and its goal is to help senior adults maintain range of motion by using many different movements.

"As long as you are moving, it's important for senior adults," Ellis said.

The class is held from 9:30-10 a.m. Tuesdays. Participants use large, gray rubber balls as drums and also use the balls as exercise equipment.

Ellis starts each class with warm-up exercises for the shoulders and neck. Next, seniors grab a pair of sticks to beat their "drum" to a steady beat while moving their arms in different ways.

Other exercises include tying scarves to the drumsticks and using shakers. To strengthen their arms and shoulders, participants hold the ball with both hands, lift it above their heads, then bring it back down.

Shirley Rinehart had just started coming to the class and she said she can tell it is helping her.

"It's a very good workout," Rinehart said.

Wilma Davis said she has felt better by taking the class.

"It's a lot more than you think," Davis said.

Center Director Joanna Stricker and Ellis both took the training to become certified instructors.

"It brought something different for the center," Stickler said. "It's giving them something to look forward to."

Stickler said she believes the seniors are enjoying the class and she's been excited that several men have signed up for it.

"It's a wonderful way to exercise," Strickler said.

Her goal is to offer it to the community if there is enough interest.

Community on 10/10/2018