From exercise routines and tips for staying active to opportunities for camaraderie, YMCA of the Inland Northwest offers a host of classes aimed at supporting older adults in the region.

Heather Graham, health and wellness director at the Spokane Valley YMCA, says that many of the seniors who participate in classes spend time together outside of class.

Those friendships can begin in classes like Move Strong Classic, which provides older adults with low-impact cardio, balance, and practical strength training using small weights and resistance bands. Participants can choose to follow either a main instructor demonstrating a standing version, or a secondary instructor showing a seated version of the exercises.

“We use a check system: on a scale of one to five, where are you feeling?” Graham says. “If they're closer to a five, we know that we need to either take it to the chair or slow things down, honoring everybody's bodies and abilities.”

The Move Strong Classic classes are exceptionally popular, Graham says; on average, 60 people attend each class.

Chair yoga and gentle tai chi are also popular classes for older adults who want to maintain strength and balance as they age.

The North Spokane, Central, and Spokane Valley YMCA locations offer aquatic fitness options that older adults might find invigorating. In addition to traditional water aerobics, seniors seeking a low-impact blend of cardio and resistance strength training can join water Zumba, an aquatic form of the popular dance-based fitness program.

“The water allows you to do the same kind of Zumba that you would do on land, but maybe for your body that would be too much impact,” Graham says. “Being able to have that fun, have that great music, and move in the water makes it more accessible for all ages and abilities.”

Pool volleyball is also popular among older adults, Graham says; members must reserve spots in advance due to high demand.

For older adults who have neurodegenerative issues, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, or for those who have experienced a stroke, the Spokane Valley YMCA began offering twice-weekly Parkinson’s Move & Shout classes last fall, Graham says.

“That class is designed to help with their strength, their balance, their voices,” Graham says. “With Parkinson's, the voice tends to get quieter, a little shaky, and weaker. Shouting and speaking precisely and loudly helps with the voice training.” 

Seated exercises focusing on coordination and maintaining the mind-body connection are combined with vocal exercises. The classes cost $100 for community members and are free for YMCA members. 

Graham says that from her office, she has been able to hear the classes practice vocal exercises, for example humming vowel sounds. 

"They actually sound choir-like, at this point,” she says. "Their voices are coming through stronger. Multiple individuals have said 'I actually feel like my voice is stronger' and their family has also said 'your voice sounds stronger.'"

Graham says the Central Spokane YMCA will also offer Parkinson’s Move & Shout classes soon. 

In addition to classes, Graham says the YMCA offers one-on-one Brain Games, personal training that focuses on cognitive health. 

“There's specific training to help individuals with early-onset or even those who have a family history,” Graham says. “Some exercises specifically help lessen or (delay) that.”

The YMCA recognizes that health and well-being are about more than just physical fitness, Graham says. Each YMCA location hosts a monthly senior social event as an opportunity for older adult members to connect. 

“The Y provides the coffee and the cups, and they typically do a little potluck,” she says. “One person, his wife makes amazing pies, so everybody's excited for what flavor of pie she's going to send with him. I sneak in some mandarin oranges or string cheese; ... you’ve got to have something healthy here.”

YMCA sometimes invites guest speakers to the senior socials, but Graham says the primary focus for participants is simply socializing.

Some of the members who have become regulars in the fitness classes have developed a routine, often meeting to walk laps before class. They support each other through challenges, successes, and life changes. 

"The camaraderie and the friendships that have developed over the years are amazing," Graham says. "We celebrated a 92nd birthday recently. (A party guest) said, 'That's the beautiful thing about the Y. You can't go to any other gym and have the camaraderie and the connection and the friendships.'"