Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/997709
22 WAC Magazine | wac.net Feel great at every age Get Fit classes deliver big results with less impact By George Sommerrock, Fitness Programs Manager Although many of us would like to believe that 60 is the new 40, our bodies know better. In fact, the loss of muscle tissue that occurs as a natural part of aging—called sarcopenia—actually starts around age 40. During the subse- quent four decades, many of us will lose up to 40 percent of our muscle mass. Now for the good news! e WAC's Get Fit program provides a way to fight sarcopenia while also minimizing the risk of injury. As we age, many of us start to feel more stress points on our bodies. Our Get Fit classes address these areas— including inflammation and arthri- tis—through resistance, strength, and in-water training options. To experience the most benefit, I sug- gest working toward three to five classes weekly. is will keep your body and mind feeling great and also deliver im- proved mobility. Many WAC members in their sixties, seventies, and beyond have already realized the benefits of the Get Fit program. Staying active and pain-free during your retirement years can lead to dra- matic improvements in life quality. It can also greatly improve your ability to travel, which many retirees list as their most important priority. Not so long ago, Get Fit expanded to include yoga and barre classes that focus on stretching, balance and alignment, all of which improve movement patterns living fit get fit classes / instructor insights B R I A N F R A N C I S Instructor Insights Todd Kowalski | Aquatics Summers spent in the Southern California surf and family vacations lazed away in the warm waves of Mazatlán, Mexico, instilled an early love for water in Todd Kowalski. at love translated to a lifetime of swimming, lifeguarding and teach- ing. Originally from Denver, Todd moved to Bainbridge Island in 1990 and taught elementary-aged kids to swim. Upon leaving Bainbridge for Seattle in 2007, he answered an ad for a swim instructor and lifeguard at the WAC. He's been keep- ing Helene Madison Pool safe and teaching adults and children alike how to swim ever since. "Watching students achieve their dream of swimming is great," Todd says. "When everything clicks, it's very gratifying." In addition to teaching Satur- day-morning group lessons and private lessons throughout the week, Todd life- guards the pool four days a week. —Get swim tips from Todd with a private lesson. Request a session at wac.net/private-swim-lessons. A N I TA N O W A C K A and lessen the risk of age-related injury. We also recently added Get Fit Cycle with veteran instructor Cris Kessler for a cardio alternative to swimming. It's true that experience comes with age. So do new fitness opportunities for anyone seeking an active life. Aer all, 80 is the new 60! —For schedule details on Get Fit classes, see page 54–55.