2008 Woodie Awards
Working out to the oldies - bringing seniors up to speed
Kyle Stucker
Issue date: 2/20/07 Section: News
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Bryan Rogers, a senior at the University of New Hampshire, has designed a new program specifically designed for senior citizens in an attempt to break the stereotypical retirement mold. The program, named the Dover Recreation Senior Fitness Program, will allow seniors to take part in a light workout that will be both beneficial and fun.
"The specific aim is to get the seniors involved, whether it is to get them in shape or just to improve their happiness," said Rogers. "They can make new friends through the program, which is something that will be a big part of what we're doing with the seniors."
When the Dover Recreation Director said that one of the things that the Dover community was lacking was a recreation program for the elderly, Rogers jumped at the opportunity. Rogers, a recreation management and policy major, has worked hard to keep in shape since his early high school years, and he will now use that experience to help others become healthier.
The program encourages a relaxed, friendly environment where seniors do not have to worry about feeling self-conscious while they work out. Many local gyms have opportunities for seniors to exercise, but Rogers feels most of the local hotspots can be unsettling for seniors looking to ride a stationary bike or go for a short walk on a treadmill.
"We want it to be a comfortable setting," explains Rogers. "Gyms like Planet Fitness can be an intimidating environment for seniors. They may not be comfortable around big guys dropping weights and girls that look like models."
Running the program as a part of his internship with the Dover Recreation Department, Rogers will lead morning exercise classes for an hour each Tuesday and Thursday within the McConnell Center. Each day will start off with stretching and chair exercises that seniors can learn quickly and do on their own at home. The program will then use light free weights to focus on increasing upper or lower body strength training, depending on the day of the class.
"The specific aim is to get the seniors involved, whether it is to get them in shape or just to improve their happiness," said Rogers. "They can make new friends through the program, which is something that will be a big part of what we're doing with the seniors."
When the Dover Recreation Director said that one of the things that the Dover community was lacking was a recreation program for the elderly, Rogers jumped at the opportunity. Rogers, a recreation management and policy major, has worked hard to keep in shape since his early high school years, and he will now use that experience to help others become healthier.
The program encourages a relaxed, friendly environment where seniors do not have to worry about feeling self-conscious while they work out. Many local gyms have opportunities for seniors to exercise, but Rogers feels most of the local hotspots can be unsettling for seniors looking to ride a stationary bike or go for a short walk on a treadmill.
"We want it to be a comfortable setting," explains Rogers. "Gyms like Planet Fitness can be an intimidating environment for seniors. They may not be comfortable around big guys dropping weights and girls that look like models."
Running the program as a part of his internship with the Dover Recreation Department, Rogers will lead morning exercise classes for an hour each Tuesday and Thursday within the McConnell Center. Each day will start off with stretching and chair exercises that seniors can learn quickly and do on their own at home. The program will then use light free weights to focus on increasing upper or lower body strength training, depending on the day of the class.
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