Fitness Opportunities for Oklahoma City Seniors

Many people think their 20s and 30s are the prime of life, but health and fitness are even more important as you age. Staying active and alert can help reduce your risk of things like falls and help you maintain a better quality of life, a lively mind and an independent lifestyle.

Tips For Healthy Aging

Stay active. The key to staying active as you age is finding exercise you enjoy. This could be working out in a gym, walking, hiking, riding your bike, swimming, doing yoga or tai chi and more.

As you get older, your preferences might change based on how your body feels. It’s important to be active in a way that makes you feel good. Try to incorporate exercises that improve cardiovascular health, balance and muscular strength.

Eat healthy. Many of the common ailments seniors experience can be alleviated or prevented by a change in diet. While diet cannot prevent everything, it can help reduce your risk of specific issues common in seniors. A few examples:

• Chronic pain and arthritis can be improved by an anti-inflammatory diet.
• Lower your risk of obesity and increase heart health by loading up on fresh fruits and vegetables while limiting saturated fats, salt, and foods containing cholesterol, like fatty meats.
• You can also lower your cholesterol by reducing the amount of salt in your diet.

Keep learning. While taking care of your body is important, you can’t forget about your mind. Studies have shown that learning new things can help slow cognitive decline in seniors. Challenge yourself to learn a new skill or hobby. Continue to read, learn new things and switch up your routine if you can. This will challenge your mind as you age.

Practice illness prevention. Prevention is key to getting ahead of common aging issues. Schedule regular doctor’s visits, get enough sleep, take vitamins and make sure you are vaccinated each cold and flu season.

Fitness Opportunities for Seniors in OKC

Silver Sneakers

There are more than 60 health insurance plans nationwide that provide Silver Sneakers benefits to boomers and beyond. Silver Sneakers provides free access to gym memberships, fitness classes and community events. Perhaps the best part of Silver Sneakers is that it connects you with other seniors to help you stay motivated and excited about your health. To get started, check your eligibility and find a location near you.

The YMCA Healthy Living Center – INTEGRIS

Senior Power Circuit – Any Level

Senior power circuit combines cardiovascular and strength training through circuits, stationary equipment and low-impact cardio exercises. This is a fun class designed to improve functional balance, stability, muscle conditioning, cardio and core.

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8–8:50 a.m. | Group Exercise Studio 1
• Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. | Group Exercise Studio 2
• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1–1:50 p.m. | Group Exercise Studio 2

Silver Sneakers Classic – Any level

This is a fun class that combines a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living using light hand weights or tubing. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12–12:50 p.m. | Group Exercise Studio 2

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance – Any level

This traditional Tai Chi class includes eight forms that emphasize balance and flexibility. Chairs are available for assistance.

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 11–11:30 a.m. | Group Exercise Studio 2

Senior Dance Aerobics – Any level

Dance aerobics offers a fun choreographed class with high- and low-intensity dance routines at a pace that is perfect for active older adults.

• Fridays from 10–11 a.m. | Group Exercise Studio 1

Will Rogers Senior Center

The Will Rogers Senior Center offers a variety of activities for seniors to enrich their physical, mental and spiritual health. From music and art to crafts and dancing, there’s a class to suit everyone’s passions.

Yoga

This class combines strength and flexibility poses. Bring your own yoga mat and blocks.

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, September through December from 9–10 a.m.

Armchair Exercise

This class focuses on hand-eye coordination, strength, flexibility and balance, without having to get down on the floor to exercise.

• Fridays, September through December from 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Woodson Senior Center

The Woodson offers a unique variety of classes and group activities to help seniors stay social, get outside and get moving.

Arthritis Exercise

This class focuses on the specific needs of seniors with arthritis. Improve joint mobility, balance and flexibility with exercises that can be performed in a chair or standing.

• Mondays, September through December from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Fridays, September through December from 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Pickleball

Pickleball is like tennis and is a great way for seniors to have fun in a relaxed group setting. Beginners are welcome, and instructions are available in every class.

• Monday through Friday, September through December from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

SAIL (Staying Active and Independent for Life)

This class, led by UCO students, focuses on cognitive strength, attention and memory by incorporating a variety of training styles including balance, flexibility, strength and light cardio.

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, September through December from 2–3 p.m.

Woodson Walk it Out

Track your steps and stay in shape with this walking fitness group. They walk inside or outside depending on the weather.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, September through December from 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Fun Local Events for Seniors

In addition to fitness activities, Oklahoma City offers a variety of activities just for seniors to improve the mind and spirit including art classes, language learning, sewing, creative writing, social events and volunteering. For more information, check out the INTEGRIS Senior Wellness Center.