CATO - Weak bones can make it tough to get out and exercise. But getting out and exercising can make those weak bones tougher.
Sam Tenney / The CitizenMaverette Lincoln, left, leads a fitness class for osteoporosis patients and those at risk for the disease at the Cato-Meridian Community Recreation Center earlier this month.
Twice a week, the Cato-Meridian Community Recreation Center gives local residents a chance to do just that. The center holds a fitness class from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday mornings specifically catered to people with or at risk for osteoporosis. Interested seniors may call ahead to set up a one-on-one appointment with an instructor to learn the exercise routine before jumping in on a class.
The hour-long workout consists of exercises meant to improve strength and balance, focusing on arms and legs. Participants lift hand and leg weights in slow, fluid motions, and they are standing or sitting for much of the program.
“We just targeted a group we wanted to serve,” said Darlene McArdell, who works at the recreation center and helped start the program six years ago.
The center supplies weights of various sizes. Participants only need to bring a release from a doctor.
McArdell said the recreation center first learned about workouts for osteoporosis through a similar program in Hannibal. Three volunteers lead the Cato class and have trained on the routine in Hannibal.
This is the only class like it in Cayuga County, and some people come from Onondaga County to attend, McArdell said.
“People really do notice the difference it can make,” said McArdell, who added that the people who show up to both classes each week see the best results. “They feel the benefits and are getting stronger.”
Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition characterized by low bone density. People with osteoporosis are at a greater chance than others for fracturing bones, typically in the hip, spine and wrist.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, low-impact exercises, as well as resistance and strength training exercises, can help prevent low bone density. They can also help improve strength and balance, which can prevent falls and injuries, according to the foundation.
According to the NOF, an estimated 10 million people already have osteoporosis, and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass. Of all Americans 50 and older, 55 percent are at risk for the condition.
Elderly women are the people most commonly affected by osteoporosis, according to the NOF.
Along with regular exercise, a diet with the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D can also help prevent the disease, according to the foundation.
Maverette Lincoln, 67, started going to the workouts at the recreation center six years ago. The Cato resident said she learned at the time that she had osteoporosis, and she wanted to improve her strength and balance.
Today, she is one of the volunteer instructors. She has also increased the amount of weight she lifts with her legs during the workout from three to 15 pounds.
“I can see the benefits every day - mowing the lawn, getting up and down, bending,” Lincoln said. “I really appreciate it.”
Lincoln said she especially likes the slow, fluid motions utilized by the program. And people are able to improve at their own pace, she added.
“You can start out with small weights and then add some,” Lincoln said. “Everyone knows their limit.”
McArdell said one of the best aspects of the program is the price. The class is free to all who attend, and it is the only free service the recreation center offers to both members and non-members.
“It is a nice way for people to get together and a nice reason to get out,” McArdell said.
Want to attend?
Call the local Cato-Meridian Community Recreation Center at 626-6735 for more information on the osteoporosis exercise program.
Need a ride there?
Are you 60 or over and don't have a way to get there? Call SCAT Van a week ahead at one of the following numbers: 253-0996 in Auburn, 626-2732 in Cato or Sterling, 497-2652 in Moravia, 889-7255 in Union Springs, 253-0996 in Weedsport or Port Byron.
The hour-long workout consists of exercises meant to improve strength and balance, focusing on arms and legs. Participants lift hand and leg weights in slow, fluid motions, and they are standing or sitting for much of the program.
“We just targeted a group we wanted to serve,” said Darlene McArdell, who works at the recreation center and helped start the program six years ago.
The center supplies weights of various sizes. Participants only need to bring a release from a doctor.
McArdell said the recreation center first learned about workouts for osteoporosis through a similar program in Hannibal. Three volunteers lead the Cato class and have trained on the routine in Hannibal.
This is the only class like it in Cayuga County, and some people come from Onondaga County to attend, McArdell said.
“People really do notice the difference it can make,” said McArdell, who added that the people who show up to both classes each week see the best results. “They feel the benefits and are getting stronger.”
Osteoporosis is a skeletal condition characterized by low bone density. People with osteoporosis are at a greater chance than others for fracturing bones, typically in the hip, spine and wrist.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, low-impact exercises, as well as resistance and strength training exercises, can help prevent low bone density. They can also help improve strength and balance, which can prevent falls and injuries, according to the foundation.
According to the NOF, an estimated 10 million people already have osteoporosis, and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass. Of all Americans 50 and older, 55 percent are at risk for the condition.
Elderly women are the people most commonly affected by osteoporosis, according to the NOF.
Along with regular exercise, a diet with the recommended amount of calcium and vitamin D can also help prevent the disease, according to the foundation.
Maverette Lincoln, 67, started going to the workouts at the recreation center six years ago. The Cato resident said she learned at the time that she had osteoporosis, and she wanted to improve her strength and balance.
Today, she is one of the volunteer instructors. She has also increased the amount of weight she lifts with her legs during the workout from three to 15 pounds.
“I can see the benefits every day - mowing the lawn, getting up and down, bending,” Lincoln said. “I really appreciate it.”
Lincoln said she especially likes the slow, fluid motions utilized by the program. And people are able to improve at their own pace, she added.
“You can start out with small weights and then add some,” Lincoln said. “Everyone knows their limit.”
McArdell said one of the best aspects of the program is the price. The class is free to all who attend, and it is the only free service the recreation center offers to both members and non-members.
“It is a nice way for people to get together and a nice reason to get out,” McArdell said.
Want to attend?
Call the local Cato-Meridian Community Recreation Center at 626-6735 for more information on the osteoporosis exercise program.
Need a ride there?
Are you 60 or over and don't have a way to get there? Call SCAT Van a week ahead at one of the following numbers: 253-0996 in Auburn, 626-2732 in Cato or Sterling, 497-2652 in Moravia, 889-7255 in Union Springs, 253-0996 in Weedsport or Port Byron.
