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SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 LIVE IT UP! 11 classes at the Capitola Recreation Center targeting older adults with osteoporosis or injuries. Classes focus on postural correction, fracture and fall prevention, leg strength and core control. Owner Sherri Betz is a Geriatric Clinical Spe- cialist, certified by the American Board of Physical erapy Specialties and as an Exercise Expert for Aging Adults. National gym InShape offers the SilverSneakers program at some of its locations, but not at the Capitola branch. (e Monterey and Salinas West branches both offer "classic" and "yoga" SilverSneakers classes). However, the Capitola branch does have a discount available; seniors purchasing member- ships receive 5% off regular rates. Also, the location has many classes that are popular with older adults, including 16 water aerobics classes each week. Local gym Capitola Fitness offers SilverSneakers classes in both "classic" and "circuit" varieties (a total of three per week). In addition, they have daily water aerobics classes. Another fun activity that's great for people of all fitness levels is Jazzer- cise. Classes are held at two locations, the Aptos Grange and the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium. Owner Abbi Hartsell has taught Jazzercise for more than 30 years. ere are various class formats including Dance Mixx, Fusion, Lite, and Strength60. Hartsell started offering 'Lite' classes four years ago; about 85% of students in these classes are seniors. Older adults comprise about 40% of participants in the non-Lite classes. e Lite format includes the same fun music and exercises as regu- lar classes, says Hartsell, but is modified to avoid stress to knees, hips, and other joints. "I enjoy teaching the Lite format for all the reasons I enjoy teaching our original class format," says Hartsell. "Our classes provide a supportive and comfortable atmosphere for all ages and fitness levels to be able to exercise together," she adds. "We cover all major components to fitness...cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility...and very important in our Lite format, balance and core strength." e benefits of Jazzercise go beyond the body. Research shows that those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's. Jazzercise takes this a step further. "When we dance, our brain uses the neural pathways that like our muscles, we have to use or lose them," says Hartsell. "Learning Jazzercise dance steps develop agility, and requires complex hand-brain coordination that shores up those networks, bolsters your memory and has a protective effect on the brain." Hartsell says that along with the other class formats, Jazzercise Lite is a great choice for someone looking to get more physical and improve their fitness level, without being intimidated. "Any- one who is not currently in an exercise routine, can join us at anytime, and feel successful aer the class is over." 71-year-old Mary wells, an avid Jazzercise fan, first attended a class when she was in her 40s, and it's helped her get and stay in shape. "Both Jazzercise and I have come a lo-o-o-ng ways since I first attended a class," says Wells. "At various times I've tried going to gyms and doing vari- ous sorts of exercise routines but have stuck with Jazzercise for 20 years now." Something else that impresses her is the way that Jazzercise as a company has evolved and kept up-to-date with current physical fitness techniques and theories as well as musical trends, plus the ongoing training and monitoring of the instructors. "In an hour you get a balanced, com- plete workout: stretching, strengthening, balance, core, and aerobic," says Wells. "And you get to dance--all kinds of styles! Jazz, salsa, kickboxing, Irish step dancing, Country, Street, Bollywood… dancing makes it fun, the time flies, promotes mindfulness and I think the mind/body connection helps exercise our brains as well." Wells took up running in 2015, completed her first race later that year, and finished her seventh race—She. Is.Beautiful—in March. "Cross training is vital for injury prevention for people involved in sports that emphasize certain muscles, and I've found Jazzercise to be perfect for that purpose as well," says Wells. "Aer run- ning a race, I can almost feel the tweaks and aches melt away as I begin warm- ing up at the beginning of a Jazzercise session." Mid-County Senior Center in Capi- tola is also a local fitness resource. ey host a variety of very affordable exercise classes geared toward seniors. ese include chair yoga, Qi gong, stretching, Tai chi, and strength building. B i g s t o C k p h o t o . C o m

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