Our 50+ fitness program is a comprehensive program consisting of aerobic conditioning, muscular strength and endurance training. Five classes target aerobics and 3 classes zoom in on your muscular strength and endurance. Our 50+ Sessional Pass enables you to attend any 50+ class in the schedule, thereby customizing a program suitable to your schedule.

Please note that Advanced 50+ participants can also join the Mid-Tempo classes advertised in the Group Fitness section.

Although exercise options will be given (and encouraged) in all classes, the Basic Aerobics on Tuesday and Thursday morning is for the first time exerciser, or for those who are finding the Monday, Wednesday, Friday aerobics class too strenuous.

All of our instructors are certified in the specialty of Older Adult Fitness and are trained to provide options for various health concerns, i.e., osteoporosis, high blood pressure, asthma, etc. It is recommended you make your instructors aware of any health concerns and also obtain approval from your physician before starting an exercise program.

Make an investment in yourself. Your health is your most valuable asset!

Co-ordinator: Nancy Novitsky Spring Session: Monday, April 4 to Friday, June 24, 2011. There will be no classes on Easter weekend (April 22, April 25 or on May 23, 2011.

50+ Sessional Pass (unlimited classes) $85.00

Fitness Class Descriptions

AEROBICS This class will be taught in a multi-level fashion. Exercise options will be given for those who wish to work at a higher (or lower) intensity. The class will consist of approx. 20-25 of aerobics with a segment of muscle toning, core conditioning and stretch.

BASIC AEROBICS Similar to the Aerobics class (above), with an aerobic segment approx. 15-20 minutes in duration. If you want an aerobics class that is more low to moderate in intensity, this class may be suitable for you.

MSE AND BALL MSE stands for Muscle Strength and Endurance. The emphasis here is on improving muscular strength and endurance through the use of weights, body bars, elastics and stability balls. The stability ball will be used to improve balance, posture, co-ordination, strength and endurance. If you want stronger abdominal and back muscles, visit this fun and dynamic class! The stability ball can take each exercise to a new and more effective level. (Please note: If you are unable to work with a stability ball, options may be given to work with a chair. Please advise your instructor of this requirement.)

INTERVAL TRAINING & YOGA STRETCH This workout has it all! By alternating short intervals of dynamic muscle toning with 4-5 minute intervals of aerobic activity, you will walk away energized and strong. Interval training gives you a bit of everything…a great cardio AND a muscle toning workout all at the same time. We'll also explore various yoga postures and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles and relax the body, mind and spirit.

FLEXIBLE STRENGTH Did you know strength and flexibility go hand in hand? This class is dedicated to improving flexibility, releasing stress and tension and developing better posture and body awareness. Resistance equipment and stability balls will be used.

50+ Fitness Schedule

We are pleased to offer this gentle fitness class designed for the senior participant who wants and needs an alternative to the traditional aerobics exercise class. Through the use of chairs, exercises will be adapted and modified to the sitting position. You will tone and strengthen using light hand weights, weighted balls, elastics and body resistance. The class will also focus on increasing flexibility, improving posture and balance and reducing muscle tension.

Increase flexibility and strength through a combination of centering and breath work, warm-up stretching, gentle hatha postures, and guided relaxation. Emphasis is on body and mind awareness, safe alignment and cultivating compassionate self-acceptance. Specially geared for the older adult!

MMM teaches correct breathing, walking, posture, balance and mobility, promoting joy in creative movement, which in turn brings about a sense of great "well-being". The exercises taught are incorporated into sequences set to music, from classical to jazz. The great benefits of MMM are recognized by physiotherapists who are now incorporating the exercises into their practices. For more detailed information on MMM, please go to www.margaretmorrismethod.ca

Pronounced Chi Kung, this is a graceful form of exercise and meditation which energizes, relaxes and rejuvenates your entire being. It is easy to learn, suitable for all ages and fitness levels and is performed standing or sitting. Each class includes warm-up, short meditation, proper breathing, flowing movements, invigorating self-massage and energy cleansing exercise in a joyful atmosphere. Benefits include, improved flexibility, balance, circulation, memory, toning and weight control. It may be helpful with headaches, hypertension, arthritis, asthma and anxiety. Please visit www.qigonginstitute.org for more information.

Offered by the Senior Citizens Council of Ottawa, these two workshops have been designed to help the mature driver to be able to continue to drive and to stay safe. These courses are for the benefit of the student only. There are no marks assigned. Please note that you must take the Driver Refresher Course prior to taking the Defensive Driving Course as there is a logical progression from one course to another. Please bring along an Ontario Driver’s Handbook (approx. cost $15).

55 Alive Mature Driver Refresher Course
This is an in-class driver refresher course on the rules of the road and traffic signs and signals. It examines in-depth how the normal aging process affects people’s driving and most importantly, teaches simple coping skills to deal with this. It updates your techniques for dealing with emergency situations while driving. Personal safety for the older driver is examined in detail.

Defensive Driving Course
This course teaches you simple skills to prevent collisions in spite of the actions of others and how to compensate for various road/weather conditions around you. Strategies are covered for safe passing – the potentially most lifethreatening driving situation. Considerable time is spent on dealing with aggressive drivers (and how to avoid becoming one), and what to do if confronted with an angry or aggressive driver.