Wall Rec program keeps seniors feeling fit, fabulous

Among the dozens of athletic programs offered by the Wall Recreation Department is a class specially designed for senior citizens, which meets three times each week and helps seniors stay in tip-top shape.

Seniors gather in the Community Room of the Wall Township Municipal Complex, 2700 Allaire Road, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.

“It’s always been very well attended,” said Kathy Martone, the assistant recreation coordinator. “The seniors love it.”

Last week, the successful program celebrated its 18th anniversary.

“It’s great to hear,” said Edward Grill, the recreation coordinator. “We want it to continue. It’s great to see successful senior programs in town.”

The program is a low-impact exercise program that attracts residents from their late 50s into their 90s, Ms. Martone said.

“It gets them out of the house,” Ms. Martone said, and also offers a social opportunity.

“It’s something they really look forward to,” she said. “They come faithfully every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.”

Jim Fanning began attending the class in 2004 with his wife, Mary. They are proud residents of Wall Township, he said.

“On a regular basis, we average around 30 students” per class, Mr. Fanning said. Attendees are mostly from Wall Township, but several come from surrounding towns, such as Lake Como and Spring Lake Heights, as well.

The program is called “Body Recall,” which is an exercise program designed for seniors, Mr. Fanning said. It focuses on moving joints, range of motion, and even touches lightly on cardiovascular exercise.

For instance, Mr. Fanning said, the seniors do a series of exercises while standing. They hold one- or two-pound weights, and perform about six to seven steps, including curls and raising their arms to shoulder level. While doing so, they march in place, “so we’re stirring up a little of the heart,” Mr. Fanning said.

The regular course instructor since 2004 has been Inez Boyan, Mr. Fanning said, though Mr. Fanning, fills in as the instructor when necessary.

The course began on March 4, 1992, he said, under instructor Jessie Eubank. In 1998, Ruth Creighton took over, then Marion White, one of the original members of the class and an active member of the Wall community, took command of the program from 2002 to 2004.

Mr. Fanning said he appreciates “the kindness that members have toward one another.”

The group as a whole is very patient and tolerant, he said, and new members are always welcome.

He also said the students take the class seriously, as exercise is important, but without having a “drill master” attitude.

The senior exercise program runs until Dec. 29. The fee is $25 for Wall and Belmar residents, and $50 for others. Late registrants are welcome, but the fee is not pro-rated.

Sign-up forms for the program are available at the Wall Recreation office, 2700 Allaire Road, in the Municipal Building, or on the department’s Web site, www.wallnj.com.

For questions, call Mr. Grill or Ms. Martone at 732-449-8444, extension 250 or 251, respectively.