(PHOENIX, Ariz., May 19, 2004) – On Wednesday, May 26 thousands of older adults will participate in a number of health promotion events across the country in celebration of National Senior Health & Fitness Day. This national event is the country’s largest older adult health and fitness activity and has been in existence for 11 years.

In recognition of this day, the Phoenix College Cardiac Fitness & Senior Wellness Program will continue promoting more than healthy physical fitness on this special day – it will continue to create magic among its participants.

For three days a week, beginning as early as 6:30 a.m. (with another class following at 8 a.m.) more than 20 individuals, ranging from a group of friends who have known one another since Kindergarten to former PC graduates, gather to begin their weekly fitness program.

Although the Cardiac Fitness & Senior Wellness Program was designed to promote and maintain an optimal level of fitness through medically supervised and monitored exercise training and education, these individuals have literally developed a unique community around their physical fitness program.

At a first glance, this may appear to be the ideal physical fitness program for seniors; however, just ask any one of the dedicated participants and it is so much more. In addition to their regular scheduled workout program, these students eagerly accept opportunities to visit the Botanical Gardens, play rounds of golf and attend other various social parties and functions.

"This is a wonderful support network," said Patsy McElmeel, the program’s registered nurse. "If someone doesn’t show up for class, they can count on getting a phone call later that day from one of the other participants. It’s unfortunate that there is very little out there in the community for them – a program of this nature. Many of our participants are either referred to us by their doctors or hear about us from their friends and we’ve actually grown quite a bit just from that."

The program meets three days a week and participants start with a 25-minute stretching routine followed by a 20-minute low impact aerobics class. The class ends with a 30-to-40 minute session in the Phoenix College Fitness Center, where they can take advantage of treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines and light weights. The class is also encouraged to attend one or more of the many different Health Enhancement Program Wellness Series sessions that are free to everyone. Some of these sessions include cooking healthy, massage, meditation, healthy back care, arthritis and exercise.

The Cardiac Fitness & Senior Wellness Program prides itself on keeping everyone safe and healthy and therefore, participants must have their doctor’s approval before they can register for the class. Once permission has been granted to enroll in the fitness program, participants will go through blood pressure screenings before their workout begins. For example, a cardiac nurse or one of the instructors will screen each participant to ensure a healthy level of physical fitness before starting the stretching exercises.

"We have about a 95 percent return rate each semester," said Allen Jackson, Senior Wellness program coordinator. "Once they start in the program they begin to build a unique connection and stay with it for a while. We try to design a workout that can be used by everyone even though it may be used at different levels."

Many of the participates refer to the program as one of the "best kept secrets in Phoenix."

For example, Marilyn Bailey began the program after having open-heart surgery in 1993.

"This program has saved our lives," she said. "It’s an excellent program. I enjoy all the social activities and great company. We really do have a good time."

The summer session will begin Monday, June 7. Classes are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information on the program, please call (602) 285-7295.

###