Fit and Fall Proof class going to three days a week

The Fit and Fall Proof® exercise class for seniors has been going strong all summer. Beginning the week of September 18, the class will resume its three times a week schedule. The class is held at the VFW Hall at the Senior Hospitality Center, 6635 Lincoln Street, Bonners Ferry. This hour-long class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. It is part of a state supported program taught by trained volunteers in a variety of locations throughout the five northern counties in Idaho’s Panhandle.

This free exercise program is targeted for older adults or anyone who has a history of falling or a fear of falling. The class will take you safely through a process of improving strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and endurance. The instructors are Karen Meeker, a physical therapist and a movement specialist with a background in the Feldenkrais Method®, and Cynthia Knittel, a physical therapy assistant with a background in Classical Stretch® and extensive experience working with senior citizens.

They can adapt the class to your current ability. Based on their knowledge of movement and proper use of self, they will be addressing functional topics such as: posture improvement, coming up from sitting to standing, reaching for the floor, reaching into a cupboard, turning to look behind you in your car — all those activities that typically become more difficult with age.

During this process, you will learn strategies to help ease pain and discomfort, prevent injury, increase energy, reduce stress and improve concentration. With the use of music, balls and other “toys,” the sessions are fun and engaging.

Do we stop playing because we get older or do we get older because we stop playing? Come and play with us! To learn more or to sign up, call Karen Meeker, (208) 946-6008, Cynthia Knittel, (208) 267-2695, or the Senior Hospitality Center, (208) 267-5554.