Exercise should be a part of everyone’s health regimen. Whether you’re 18 years old or nearly 80, staying active has proven to help vascular health, reduce stress, and improve focus. Studies have also suggested that it provides a powerful stimulus that can counteract the molecular changes that partly cause dementia.
Pasadena offers a wide variety of exercise classes that will not only help promote physical health, but brain health as well. Here are some of our favorites:
1.) Chair Yoga – Pasadena Senior Center
At the Huntington Hospital on the third Wednesday of every month, seniors are welcomed to improve their balance, strength, and flexibility by participating in chair yoga. By doing yoga in a chair as opposed to on the floor, this class has become adaptable to all fitness levels.
2.) Pickleball – Pasadena Senior Center
For those of you who enjoy team sports but are looking for something that won’t put strain on your body, pickleball may be the answer. Join a team and experience the game that is fast becoming the most popular sport to play amongst seniors.
3.) Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program – Rose Bowl Aquatics
Stiff joints make it hard to walk, let alone exercise. The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program at Rose Bowl Aquatics offers a variety of classes that address every skill level, starting with the foundation class, which is designed to increase flexibility, range of motion, endurance, and decrease joint stiffness. Classes take place Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:00pm and Saturdays at 9:45am; monthly and drop-in rates are offered.
4.) Aqua Yoga – Rose Bowl Aquatics
Another alternative to mat yoga, aqua yoga takes the meditative practice to the water. It features a focus on breathing control, cervical stretching techniques, Ai-Chi relaxation techniques, and yoga positioning adapted for the pool, meaning no planks and downward dog. The class is offered every Saturday at 8:30am and has a drop-in rate along with a lower monthly rate.
5.) MS Splash for People with Multiple Sclerosis – Rose Bowl Aquatics
Living with MS can present a number of challenges to exercising: difficulty walking, fatigue, and over-heating are some of them. With MS Splash, the pool is heated specifically to 85 degrees, helping to regulate body temperature and the nervous system, allowing for longer and more effective workouts. Students don’t need to have the ability to swim to improve their mobility skills and endurance. Classes are offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00am with a drop-in rate or lower monthly rate.
6.) Chair Exercise Class – South Pasadena Senior Center
Not ready to hop in a pool for your workouts but looking to participate in a low-impact exercise class? By having the workouts in a chair and utilizing elastic bands, you’ll stretch and strengthen your body without putting pressure on your joints. Classes take place every Friday at 8:30am and are donation-based only.
Phone number: (626) 403-7360
7.) Pasadena Folk Dance Co-Op
Dancing is the perfect way to combine exercising the body, exercising the brain, having fun, and making new friends. At the Pasadena Folk Dance Co-Op, you will be joined by other dancers are who are mostly 50 or older (with a few younger members as well) to learn the art of folk dance. Grab a partner, or meet one there, and dance the night away.
Pasadena has plenty of great activities and resources to offer. If you’re looking for in home care for an elderly or disabled loved one, call Select Home Care today to learn more about our services. (626) 799-4855 (office) or (888) 990-7353 (toll free)