By Maridith Yahl
NKyTribune reporter
Inspiration comes from many places and all shapes and sizes. At Sports of All Sorts Fitness Center (SOAS) in Florence, sparks regularly fly from those least expected. This week, SOAS hosted a very special event, “The Harvest Tea,” which honored seniors who have committed themselves to “living a healthy lifestyle.”
Angi Harreld, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator shared about the event, center, and encouragement.
Seniors from the center take ownership in the luncheon by planning everything, from creating the menu, fundraising for gift baskets, decorating, set-up, and take-down. “It’s a way to involve seniors and have them engaged and do different things,” says Harreld.
The approximately 60-70 senior members, along with their family, friends, and neighbors were there to honor each other, inspire each other, and build relationships.
The highlight was a special awards presentation by State Senator John Schickel. He and his staff worked hard to create citations presented to seven “Super Seniors,” over the age of 90, who have committed to a healthy lifestyle. One club member celebrated her 91st birthday on the 8th, while the oldest recipient is aged 97. Honorees had their picture taken with Senator Schickel when presented with the citation and will be later be framed for them.
These active seniors, most of who attend fitness classes three to five times a week, inspire each other in so many ways. Those younger, the 50s to 80s gang, see first-hand how these amazing 90-year-olds are making good, healthy choices. Knowing that they too can is a motivator.
“Fitness, Friendship, and Fun” is the motto of Sports of All Sorts. Events like the luncheon promote awareness of all that SOAS offers. “That’s how people learn about what we do. It’s not just a gym, it’s much more than just a gym,” said Harreld. “SOAS is a community, a family.”
Every day about 125 seniors visit the facility. Senior or no impact fitness classes, yoga, walking, and pickleball are offered daily between 8 am and 1 pm. Although they are no impact, there are high-intensity classes available. The earlier in the morning, the higher the impact. The intensity softens into moderate intensity and lastly, later in the day to a low, seated intensity program.
Now, what is pickleball? This game is about 50-60 years old and is played there five mornings a week. A cross between ping pong and tennis, players hit the ball back and forth with a whiffle ball type bat explains Harreld. It is “very good for hand-eye coordination, balance, agility, and they all just laugh and have fun. It keeps them active and moving.”
If bowling is your speed, approach the lanes for free bowling on Tuesdays, for those who have Silver Sneakers. “Silver Sneakers is purchased as part of insurance; a benefit to their insurance that provides for a free gym membership. Somebody who has Silver Sneakers and could participate in a Silver Sneakers class can go anywhere in the nation. They can take that card and go. So you don’t have to belong to just one or one facility. You can go to multiple ones,” Harreld said.
Sen. Schickel presents the awards. This one to Barbara Russell.
According to Harreld, Silver Sneakers’ programming is very structured. “All of the instructors, we’ve all had specific training and courses, and we have to take continuing education classes.”
“A Silver Sneaker Classic Class should be one that anyone who participated in, would be pretty similar all over the nation.” She advises the order could be different, but no matter where you go, you know what to expect.
Besides fitness, SOAS holds other activities in pursuit of camaraderie and mental acuity. Once a month the euchre and book clubs meet. Lunch and Learns provide healthy foods and a guest speaker who talks about topics pertinent to seniors.
The fun with fitness and nutrition while being part of a community goes to a whole-body wellness mindset. It is “all to keep seniors happy, healthy, and well,” Harreld said.
If you don’t have Silver Sneakers, SOAS is only $10 a month. Those wanting to join in on all this fabulous fitness, friendship, and fun are welcome to visit SOAS anytime to take a tour.
“As our senior’s spouses pass away, I don’t want anybody to be lonely and stay at home. This has brought people out of their homes, to come in, meet new people, make new friends, have somebody to go to lunch with, somebody to walk with, and things like that,” Harreld said.
SOAS is providing so much more than exercise, they’re providing a sense of belonging.
