The summers record high temperatures havent kept McPhersons senior citizens from staying in shape. Those driving near the intersection of Euclid and Elm streets early in the morning might spot a small crowd gathered outside Park School Warehouse. The senior aerobics class, organized and led by Sondra Frank of the McPherson Senior Center, meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The class typically meets indoors, but has been gathering outside to get away from the heat of the non-air conditioned building. They dont want to stop, Frank said. Theyre a very dedicated group of people. Exercises are done to the beat of a variety of music, including pop, country, oldies and others. The same songs are used for each three-month session. The class begins slowly and learns the steps, and eventually new songs are added. Every six months an entirely new session begins. Following warm-up stretching, the low-impact aerobics class participants use lightweight hand weights to develop strength and use dyna bands for resistance. They also step to country line dances and finish with a cool down. Frank, the executive director of the senior center, has led the class since 1984. It began as a sitting chair class and evolved into more active exercises. Currently, there are 32 signed up. We all know that people who exercise on a regular basis, their body and strength is better, their mind functions better and their heart is healthier, Frank said. Thats our real goal. Frank integrates exercises that she thinks will be fit for their abilities but will also push them to their full potential. For example, one movement uses a left foot and a right hand, which uses both sides of their brain. My goal for them is to remain active and healthy so they have a long, good quality of life and to be able to continue to do the things they want to do to enjoy their senior years, she said. This goal has been reached by several attendees. Mary Petersen of McPherson started attended the class four months ago. I sure feel better since Ive started doing it, she said, noting improved muscle strength and breathing. Weve got an awesome bunch. Its something Im going to stick with. Petersen said her family was shocked when she told them what she was doing You dont realize how fun it is, she said. Bob Duren of McPherson has been attending the class for five years and has enjoyed staying limber and also keeping in touch with his classmates, who often meet at the senior center afterward. Donna Burke of McPherson has been taking the class for six and a half years. She said he has helped ease her lower back pains. I just feel so good afterward, she said. You just feel so much better. The class is non-age restrictive. To sign up, contact the McPherson Senior Center.

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Seniors spend mornings stepping it up