LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST - LIFE BEGINS AT 50
Get out and move!

By Meg Olson

Insurance companies are realizing the value of promoting exercise to their over 50 members. The medical bills go down as seniors get moving in a consistent, safe manner. Group Health has been proactive in supporting Silver Sneakers and Lifetime Fitness programs.

When Mary MacDonald, a Silver Sneakers instructor for Group Health in Bellingham, petitioned to get a program going in Lynden a few years ago, Group Health responded by setting up a Lifetime Fitness Program.
This program is provided free to Group Health members over 65-years old. What makes it different from Silver Sneakers is the use of ankle and wrist weights with a supervised progression of muscle building activities suitable for the novice or experienced exerciser.

The class Mary MacDonald teaches at the Lynden Community Senior Center at 401 Grover Street is still growing with 15 to 20 participants. A few non-Group Health members drop in for $2 a class. The rest have Group Health covering the cost of their classes.

With 15 minutes of chair aerobics and 15 minutes of low-impact aerobics done standing, the class prepares for their weight training and finishes with stretches. Choreography changes regularly sometimes using rubber tubes with handles, small balls, and stretch bands.

Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace and have fun. Class t-shirts are available. People join from Birch Bay, Custer, Everson, and Nooksack. Blaine seniors are welcome to try the fun on Monday and Friday at 11 a.m. and on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Also available are yoga classes Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Semiahmoo fire station on Semiahmoo Parkway.

The goal of the class is for strengthening and stretching, and improving breathing techniques...

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