Empowering Energies at Swampscott COA

A Week of Fitness at Swampscott Senior Center

            Just the other day, I was telling a friend how much I was enjoying my Zumba class. She asked me where I went to take the class. “The Swampscott Senior Center”, (COA) I answered with pride. “Why would you want to go to a Senior Center”, she inquired with disbelief.  I then proceeded to tell her about the positive energy and level of enthusiasm that pervades this center. From the graciousness of the staff to the boundless energy of the director Marilyn Hurwitz, there is no room for anything but life coming alive. With the vibrancy of the program and the variety of activities, it is no wonder the visits per week have increased from 500 to 1500 since the Center’s move from Burrill St. to its Swampscott High School location.

            There are 6 main categories of activities at the COA: Health and Fitness, Creative Arts, Entertainment, Dance and Games and Sports. They all complement the Center’s mission: to serve all seniors with dignity, to identify and respond to the needs of elders and to advocate on their behalf, and to promote awareness in the community of issues regarding seniors. The spotlight this month is Health and Physical Fitness.

            There are 6 popular movement classes each week: Zumba Gold, Osteo Exercise, Yoga, Total Senior Fitness, Stretch and Tone, and Tai Chi. Zumba’s teacher, Kim Crowley, is vibrant and enthusiastic with just the right dose of challenge. She says she feels great joy and warmth from her students at Swampscott Senior Center. Kim says that Zumba is the brainchild of Beto Perez. The story goes that as a fitness trainer, he one day forgot his music and resorted to using the music he played in his car for his own entertainment. This improvised class resulted in great appeal. He now has a company, Zumba Fitness, which offers an “exhilarating, effective and easy to follow Latin beat- inspired calorie burning fitness class.” Kim has been a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor since 2009. She is well loved in class as her skills combine with her effervescent and caring personality. When students were asked why they keep coming back week after week, rain or shine, Chickie said,” We have the best instructor in the world”. Judee replied, “We feel fabulous here, we really do”. Elaine commented, “I love it! It’s easy”. We all do love it and feel energized and healthy when we leave. Kim is sensitive to our needs and knows how to adjust to our varied abilities. We always feel successful at the end of class. Zumba meets Mondays at 9:45 A.M.

            Another popular class is Osteo Exercise class. Patricia “Trish” Sullivan, another well-loved instructor, is affiliated with the North Shore Physical Therapy Group. This group has been associated with the Senior Center for 15 years.  This class addresses issues resulting from arthritis and osteoporosis. It also helps with building strength, contributes to conditioning and improves balance, all very prevalent issues as we age. Many who have had knee or hip surgery are advised to attend this type of class. When asked why they love this class so much, participants answered in consistently positive ways: “It helps me walk” and “It helps with balance.” Another responded that it is helping to keep her hips strong and strengthens her bones. Another directed her comment to Trish, “I come because of you!”

In addition to the fitness benefits of these classes, Trish pointed out that many participants find new social outlets and relationships here. People bond not only to health routines but they also bond in friendships as well. Osteo Exercise meets Mondays and Thursdays at 11:00 A.M.

In addition to Zumba and Osteo Exercise, Stretch and Tone, taught by Tabitha Keating, meets Tuesdays at 8:45 A.M and Tai Chi, taught by Tom Robson, meets Tuesdays at 2:30 P.M. There is also Yoga, taught by Mary Cassidy, which meets Wednesdays at 10:30 A.M. and Total Senior Fitness, taught by Mary Franklin, meets Thursdays at 9:00 A.M.  There is a way to be healthy through movement Monday through Thursday. Come and view the excitement first hand and stay healthy!

Any problems with transportation can be solved by contacting the van drivers or other staff members at 781-596-8866.

Laurie Asher