The California Nutrition Center exercise group believes in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for senior citizens. Group coordinator Norma Milligan even joked of another main advantage.
"It keeps us out of the nursing home longer," said said following a Nov. 5 class. "If we sit at home and do nothing, pretty soon we can't move."
All jokes aside, Milligan and other group members take the class seriously. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Nutrition Center. The class is open to area residents 60 years and older. There is no charge to join and interested people are encouraged to attend a class.
"We always welcome new participants, because if somebody gets to where they can't come, we need somebody else to replace them," said Milligan, who became group coordinator seven years ago. "Just show up and say, "I want to do exercises.' That's it.
"We can always use more. We had one new person (on Nov. 5) that I asked to come. It means a lot to older people to get out and be with someone else."
Now is a great time to join because the group recently got a new exercise leader. Jim Deeken, the director of parks and recreation in California, is leading workouts for six weeks. His first class was Oct. 27 and his last class is scheduled for Dec. 5. Before Deeken arrived, and once he is done, the group relies on following exercise videos on the television.
"A couple of girls that go to church with (Deeken) got him to come," Milligan said. "I think he's doing great. It's much more interesting with somebody leading us. You tend to watch him and do it. If you're watching a tape, your mind is someplace else. With a leader, you come here working up a sweat. With a tape, you slow down if you get tired."
Deeken, who took over the parks and recreation department in August, was excited to lead the exercise group. The class starts with various stretches, then moves on to different cardiovascular activities, some of which include light weights, before going back to more stretching routines.
"I'm happy to be providing a service," Deeken said. "It's wonderful that these ladies want to stay fit. It's nice for me to be here, but the bigger story is them doing it all year around."
According to Milligan, the exercise group at the Nutrition Center was established in the early 1970s. Whether the group has two members or 30 present, it holds classes three days a week, 52 weeks a year. The only exceptions are days when the Nutrition Center is closed.
"We want it to be serious for our own health," Milligan said, "but we also enjoy having a good time."
Staying active and physically fit is always important for seniors, along with being able to socialize with their friends and peers.
"Everything you read about elderly people says to keep your body and your mind active," said group member Ruth Maier, who joined 11 years ago. "As a group, we know each other and we do this together. It's a lot of fun. I enjoy it, otherwise I wouldn't be here."
The California Nutrition Center is located at 107 W. Versailles Ave. The phone number is 573-796-4240.