New YMCA classes filled with fun, fitness and friendship

ABINGTON, Pa. (WPVI) -- We know exercise not only makes you stronger, it lifts your mood, helps you sleep better and keeps arthritis and other mobility problems at bay.

But what if your daily activities are already pose some challenges?

A new program in the area is designed to tackle that.

Even before you get to the exercise studio, you can hear Motown and pop music and the rhythmic commands of an instructor.

Look in the door. You won't find an empty seat in the house for the Abington YMCA's Enhance Fitness class.

5 days a week here, the older adults can go through an hour of cardio, strength, flexibility and balance exercises.

And many, like the triceps workout, aren't much different than you see younger gym-goers do.

"Keep the abdominals tight," reminds the instructor.

The goal is to improve mobility, decrease pain and prevent future disability for those 55 and over, particularly those with chronic ailments.

82-year-old Constance Boelter is sold. She came here in April worried her painful knees would give out.

Not anymore.

"It's gone. I have no problems with my knees anymore," she says with a big smile.

Enhance Fitness was developed in Seattle, Washington. It's come to 4 Philadelphia-area YMCA's under a pilot program with the CIGNA foundation.

Dr. Laura Reiche, of the Foundation, says, "If we stay mobile, and active as we get older, it definitely decreases the chances of getting chronic illnesses, or at least pushes back the time they'll occur."

So the exercises in an Enhance Fitness class are chosen to address specific functions in daily life - like getting in & out of a car, or lifting things around the house.

"There's a lot of overhead exercises that help with getting things out of a high cabinet," says Ronnie Nitka, who was actually spending her 71st birthday in the exercise class.

"It encompasses so much," she says.

The weights aren't heavy, but there are plenty of repetitions - and holds - to be effective.

"The majority of them have already increased weight over the past couple of weeks," says Aimee Smith, YMCA Director of Healthy Living.

Boelter notes, "I find that the bags are not as heavy anymore, they seem to be lighter."

"I feel like I'm getting stronger," says Denise Ellner, who also noted she has more energy.

"I feel like I'm good to go for the rest of the day."

Enhance Fitness is offered at the Abington, Northeast, Haverford, and Columbia North YMCA's, but it could be expanded to all Philadelphia Freedom Valley branches.

By the way, a study done for Medicare showed that Enhance Fitness cut health care costs $1,000 dollars per person, and reduced hospitalizations.

Click here for more information on the Enhance Fitness class.