Sweatin' to the oldies

The growls were reminiscent of the noise made by Marines when they want to vocalize their toughness, but this time the militaristic warnings came from a group of senior citizens demonstrating their martial arts expertise.

The occasion was the ninth annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day, which was celebrated for the fourth consecutive year at Brandon Wilde.

Wednesday's demonstrations of Tai Chi and Tae Bo were presented by Brandon Wilde residents, who average more than 80 years of age.

The day began with a one-mile fitness walk and ended with a sampling of healthy snacks.

The martial arts demonstration was presented to show other residents what those taking the classes can do and how it can benefit them, said Michele Nobles, Brandon Wilde's physical activities coordinator.

Nobles, who led the demonstrations, had the groups end each session with a loud growl, which brought smiles from the spectators.

"No man is going to mess with those women," one female spectator said.

Mary Ann Polk, a Brandon Wilde resident who takes both martial arts classes, said the exercise has helped her.

"I danced as a young kid," Polk said. "It's just like getting back to it."

When she finishes, she said, "I feel a lot better than when I get up in the morning."

R.H. Daniel, who swims three times a week and is taking the Pump It Up weight class, said he has increased his upper body strength.

He added that he likes exercising with other people.

"Pump It Up class is fun. It's jolly. They work you pretty hard," he said.

Daniel said he recently had a heart stress test and discovered that he had had a mild heart attack since his last stress test three years ago. He credits his strong heart to his exercise classes.

Nobles said that each year Brandon Wilde has participated in the National Senior Health and Fitness Day the number of residents taking the wellness classes has grown. The classes, she said, help the residents stay in good shape which gives them a better quality of life.

But before they can participate, she said, they must obtain clearance from their physicians.

As part of the program, Dr. Paul Herzwurm, an orthopedic surgeon, spoke to the approximately 200 people attending the program about hip and knee replacement surgery.

Lonnie Hergott, a physical therapist, spoke about the importance of exercise after surgery and to maintain good health.

Ted Uszko, a dietetic intern, told the crowd that laughing is a good aerobic exercise and recommended that the residents do things that will put them in good spirits so that they laugh more often.

"In a lot of hospitals, we use clowns," Uszko said. "We use clowns in cancer clinics to help uplift spirits."