Senior citizens punch, kick their way to health

  • Published
  • By Holly J. Logan
  • Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) --  While some people may retire to a rocking chair, Nancy Newell is spending her retirement punching and kicking her way to a healthier lifestyle.

And she is not alone.

Seventeen senior citizens put up a “fight” at the fitness center here for a senior Tae Bo class May 10 -- a special feature to the center’s “Senior Moves” exercise program and an event for May Fitness Month.

Ms. Newell, a 72-year-old retiree who recently joined the exercise program, said the one-hour class has helped her stay active, despite her age-related aches and pains. The class incorporates boxing moves into a high-energy aerobics routine, modified with balancing poles to ensure participants’ safety.

“I retired about a year and a half ago and found that for general health reasons, I needed to stay active,” she said. “It’s very easy, in retirement, to go home and sit. It requires a bit of stamina and determination to make yourself do things like this, but it’s worth it.”

Pete Andrews, 72, said participating in the exercise programs has helped him maintain his health.

“I like the activity because it helps me to feel young,” he said. “I’ve done Pilates, core training and yoga, but this is my first time taking Tae Bo. It’s a lot of working out, but it’s fun.”

Jackline Baker, a recreation assistant at the center, said the class is a great way for seniors to build their fitness level.

“We go by what they put in,” she said. “We try to keep it slow and moderate, and modify some of the exercises for them, like making the kicks lower and using exercise poles so they can keep their balance better.”