EXERCISE IS THE KEY

PLANO — Senior centers once conjured up images of elderly people sitting around a television, watching game shows.

But that's not the case anymore — especially in North Texas. Some area senior centers have become a hotbed of activity for the mind, body and soul.

Frances Dougherty started working out at the Plano Senior Center the day after she came to Texas.

That was 10 years ago. She credits aerobics for her good health and long life.

"I'm 90 years old, and if I don't keep moving, what happens to me?" she asked.

A walk down the halls of the Plano center reveals bustling activities in every nook and cranny. Some, like mahjong, are designed to promote an active intellect.

"I'll never get Alzheimer's because I keep my mind so busy," said Betty Grunewald.

Right next door, other seniors are practicing the ancient art of tai chi, which uses gentle flowing movements to reduce stress and improve health.

"Without using our muscles, our muscles forget what they're supposed to do, and no one wants to experience life from a chair or a bed if they don't have to," said Cindy Harrison-Staub, an exercise instructor.

Vicky Elwood said a perfect combination of wellness, fellowship and fun helps seniors like her stay active, alert, happy, and — most importantly — healthy. "There are people here who are 85 years old who have been coming here for 10 to15 years," she said. "So it's proven that they stay younger."

Traditional activities, like billiards, are still popular. Seniors told us there is something for everyone at the Plano Senior Center, from dancing the cha-cha to playing canasta.

"It's good for us mentally," Grunewald said. "The more friends you have, the happier you are."

What is Chair Aerobics?

Chair aerobics are a form of aerobic exercise where the participant stays seated in a chair for the duration of the exercise session. Normally targeted at those with mobility problems, chair aerobics aim to give a complete workout while limiting the stress and strain on joints.

The exercises are often supplemented with the usage of resistance bands and dumbbells. The basic exercises include a variety of punches and kicks that raise the heart rate of the participant to increase their cardiovascular fitness. Chair aerobics can be done in a classroom setting led by an instructor or at home with an exercise video.

Most chair aerobics sessions involve a brief warmup period followed by coordinated punches and kicks to raise the heart rate. From there, sessions can continue with primarily aerobic based exercises, but might also move into weightlifting to build strength.

Chair aerobics aren’t designed to get people into marathon running shape, but rather to help them with their day to day activities or to raise their fitness level enough so that more strenuous exercises become possible.

The only equipment required for chair aerobics is a chair with good support (most armless folding chairs are fine). Filled soup or soda cans can serve as weights and there are a variety of books and tapes available to teach the basic exercise series.