MEXICO — Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice will host an exercise program titled Moving Freely starting Monday, Oct. 14, at the Mexico Recreation Center.
The program started “sometime in the mid- to late-’80’s,” Rumford leader Mitzi Sequoia said.
“The program is geared toward senior citizens in the area and tries to teach them how to remain independent in their own home,” she said Wednesday evening. “We try to encourage senior citizens to keep moving. Nowadays, people are realizing that senior citizens need to move as much as an athlete needs to move. If you don’t use something, then you’re going to lose it — and lose it fast.”
Sequoia said the program involves a slow progression of exercises, starting with pedaling, toe lifts and bent-knee lifts, eventually progressing to standing exercises.
The exercises aim to “develop flexibility, agility, coordination, balance and strength,” Sequoia said.
“We’re trying to keep people moving,” she said. “We build from sitting exercises to little games that keep our heart rate up.”
Residents of all ages are welcome to join.
“Last year, our youngest participant was 6,” Sequoia said. “Our oldest one was 94.”
Sequoia took over leading the program four years ago after former trainer Louise Stickney decided to retire.
“Louise taught that class for 17 years before retiring,” Sequoia said. “Years ago, she took an intensive training course in Kentucky that helped get her ready to teach the class. She was glad when I told her that I would take over for her.”
Sequoia added that she is “very enthusiastic about this program.”
“I always tell people, ‘Your health is your wealth,’” she said. “ For me, life is about conditioning the body, and that’s what we aim to do with the program.”
Registration is a $15 donation. The program will run from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for six consecutive weeks.
For more information, call Sequoia at 364-7400.
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