I Love Love Love SilverSneakers!

I want to share this e-mail that I received from a SilverSneakers participant at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA in Richmond, VA.

Hi Jeannine,

I finally have a minute to write to you about SilverSneakers...About a year ago, I had a terrible left knee problem. I could hardly walk and thought my shopping career was over. I thought I was just going to have to stay home and be bored to death forever. I went to the orthopedic specialist and he said I had arthritis and should exercise. Well, I have never been a believer in exercise and thought he was crazy but I also thought I should try something. I joined the YMCA and was told about the SilverSneakers program. I tried it and fell in love with everything about the program-even the weights, straps (tubes) and the balls!!!!!! I find the instructors to be fun, upbeat, informed and delightful. The music is great and I, who hated exercise remember, am in love with all of the SilverSneakers programs that are offered. I go five days a week. My knee is now perfect and i am able to shop to my heart's delight (much to my husbands dismay)!! Sooooo may I say............I LOVE LOVE LOVE SILVERSNEAKERS AND WISH THE WHOLE WORLD COULD KNOW ABOUT THIS FABULOUS PROGRAM. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. YEAH SILVERSNEAKERS FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by Tali Alcorn

Isn't that a great letter? Just in case we forget why we spend nights learning the bunny hop, or a fun cool-down Tango, or all of the special things we add to our classes. We know we're not doing this for the money! Ha, ha!

Thank you, Tali, for sharing your story with us!!

Rut Blocker

From March 2010 Prevention Magazine:

For totally toned arms, flip your grip. Changing hand positions for dumbbell exercises targets different-often underutilized- muscles for all-over firming, says exercise physiologist Pete McCall of the American council on exercise.

Start BICEPS CURLS with palms facing back instead of forward. As you lift, they'll face away from you.

Do TRICEPS KICKBACKS with palms forward instead of in toward body. Palms will face down as arms extend.