OKMULGEE COUNTY, Okla. — A fitness program in Okmulgee County is encouraging people ages 55 and older to stay active.
The program is called Stay Strong, Stay Healthy and it’s helping older adults not only gain strength, but confidence. It’s an 8-week resistance training program, every Monday and Wednesday, where a group of ladies get together for an hour workout.
“I’ve lost inches and I am doing great. I love this program,” said Inez Bird.
It’s Bird’s second time to do the eight week course, which also bring a social component to the table.
“It’s really a social hour really. We all like each other and we all get along so I like coming to the class,” said Betty Hall.
Each week they up their reps and eventually they’ll be adding weights. They’re focusing on building muscle strength, flexibility and balance.
“It’s kept me active. I’m a pretty active person anyway, but I can still do anything I want to do,” said Hall.
Bird says two shoulder surgeries kept her from holding her arm all the way up until she started working the muscle again.
“The first time we did it I could not raise my arm up and then by the end of the course, I could raise my hand up, raise my arm up,” said Bird.
The program targets those ages 55 and older in rural communities and encourage them to be active so they don’t lose their mobility.
Jill Gibbons has taught the class since October at the OSU Extension site in Okmulgee County. She’s seen firsthand how people have gotten stronger.
“I have women who were walking at like a 90-degree angle and now they can stand up straight and they’re coming back and they’re like, okay I’m ready to go, let’s see what else I can do,” said Gibbons.
Connie Goedecke had knee surgery in November. Before that, she was playing pickleball and doing yoga. She’s taking the class for the first time to regain her strength.
“Some of the exercises don’t look like a whole lot when you’re looking at them, but they really are strengthening your muscles and helping with flexibility,” said Goedecke.
She, along with the other ladies, all hope to inspire people their age to get up and get moving.
“It’s so important to stay active because if we don’t, we lose that ability to get up from a chair or get around the house. It’s so important to keep that agility as we age,” said Goedecke.
The class isn’t just for women, men are encouraged to get involved. Gibbons says watch OSU Extension websites and calendars for the classes. It’s taught in 34 of 77 counties including Mayes, Wagoner, Cherokee, Delaware, Sequoyah and Tulsa.