A free, fun way to stay fit

When Costa Mesa’s Holy Spirit Gym started offering senior-oriented group exercise classes last week, 82-year-old Dorothy Harmer was one of the first to sign up. Four sessions later, she has become quite the fitness fanatic.

Pulling up to the gym Thursday morning, she excitedly prepared for her workout, selecting a pair of two-pound purple dumbbells that coordinated with her colorful workout attire.

“I want to keep doing what I am doing, like riding my bike and playing golf, and this enables me to do it better,” she said. “I just love this program.”

With the motto, “Get fit, have fun, make friends,” the SilverSneakers Fitness Program is offered through eligible SecureHorizons Medicare Advantage plans as a cost-effective, preventive benefit to healthcare.

The program allows seniors nationwide to take advantage of local fitness centers, not only by offering free membership but also customized classes designed for older patrons looking to improve their strength, balance and endurance.

“This is a great way for people to have fun and work out, which will keep them more flexible and healthier longer,” said SilverSneakers spokeswoman Lauren Hitchcock.

“Also, it creates a nice social network, which is really important as you get older.”

At the Costa Mesa gym, instructor Beth Hodson teaches the seated, beginner-level SilverSneakers class — which includes a warm-up, calisthenics and a cool-down — from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Aided by hand-held weights, exercise balls and elastic cords, members work to increase upper and lower body strength and flexibility.

Following multiple coronary bypass surgeries in September, Lido Island resident Jim Millspaugh takes advantage of the classes and the facility’s treadmills to “get back into shape.”

“This is my fourth time, and I feel good — I really do,” the 82-year-old said. “It relaxes me, I think, and I am keeping my muscles working.”

Gym manager Gil Yurly was excited to bring the program to his full-service facility, offering discounted personal training sessions to qualified seniors 65 and older, including those using walkers or wheelchairs.

“It’s a win-win situation for everybody involved,” he said. “The members stay active and fit, the HMOs don’t have to pay out as much for medical bills, and I get reimbursed for the memberships.”

Hodson, 48, agrees that the seniors aren’t the only ones reaping the benefits of the program.

“I love working with the elderly, and I also love working out, so it’s great for me,” she said.

To contact the Holy Spirit Gym, 119 E. 18th St., Costa Mesa, call (949) 645-6110.

Eligible Newport-Mesa residents can also take advantage of the beginning- and advanced-level SilverSneakers group classes offered at the Central Orange Coast YMCA, 2300 University Drive, Newport Beach.

For more information, contact the facility’s active adult coordinator Sally Kuledge at (949) 642-9990, ext. 10.

Information on the SilverSneakers Fitness Program is available at www.silversneakers.com .