Delta Gymnastics has launched a program to promote activity and fitness for seniors thanks to Canada's New Horizons Seniors Program Grant.
"Our Legends team started this spring with a group of very enthusiastic, adults" said Ana Arciniega, Delta Gymnastics'executive director.
The main objective of the Delta Legends is to promote activity and fitness for seniors (50+) in a supportive and well laid out environment to safely participate in a fun, meaningful and social activity.
"This class emphasizes functional fitness, especially when it comes to balance," said Arciniega. "Not only can physical activity help us live longer, it prolongs our health, mental activity and independence, helping us to enjoy a better quality of life."
An additional and important program goal is to join the Gymnaestrada team, a discipline of gymnastics that combines dance, acrobatics and gymnastics in a noncompetitive, performancebased environment.
"The National Gymnaestrada event will take place at the Richmond Oval in July 2018, and the goal for the Legends team is to join with the younger group to perform together in a joint routine at that event," said Arciniega. "Next spring they can perform at the BC Provincial Gymnaestrada events and ultimately it would be fantastic for our team to represent Canada at the World Gymnaestrada in Austria in 2019."
Carlene Lewall, longtime member of Delta Gymnastics and one of the team participants, said the class has improved her balance, allowing her to keep up with her grandchildren. Participant Patti White said her physiotherapist has seen a remarkable improvement in the strength of her back and core.
Delta Gymnastics offers programs from babies to seniors at its Ladner location. For information on programs and events, visit www.deltagymnastics.com or call 604-943-0460.
