Henry Daily Herald

Senior residents in Henry County will soon have a chance to improve their physical fitness, from the comfort of their own homes.

Henry TV14 is launching a new television program to assist homebound seniors, and others who cannot get out of the home during the day, with their fitness goals. The fitness endeavor, entitled SilverTone, is a partnership with Henry County Senior Services.

Diane Reed, program coordinator for Henry County Senior Services, said exercise programs in her department have been popular in recent years.

However, she said, the county’s new program will enable her and her co-workers to reach more people and promote fitness and good health. Reed added the concept for the television program was launched earlier this year, by county spokesperson and Communications Director Julie Hoover-Ernst.

“We’ve always offered exercise programs, and they’ve evolved over the years,” said Reed. “All the classes are excellent, and Julie had heard that. She wanted to make the classes available for seniors who couldn’t get to the senior centers for whatever reason.”

The SilverTone effort will feature three different levels of exercise classes currently offered through the county’s three senior centers, according to Hoover-Ernst. A Beginners program, she said, will kick off the week of April 16, airing at 8 a.m., on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The other classes will be added in future weeks during the same time slot but on different days, Hoover-Ernst said.

“The Beginners class utilizes a chair to achieve improvement in cardiovascular and respiratory health,” the spokesperson said. “It includes active stretching, low-impact aerobics, strength training, and flexibility techniques to improve range of motion and reduce stress in the mind and body. The Intermediate level class involves cardiovascular and resistance training exercises that incorporate stretching, low-impact aerobics, walking and zumba fitness.

“The Advanced power aerobics class involves low-impact aerobic exercises, and stresses flexibility, coordination and strength training,” Hoover-Ernst continued. “Viewers will also work their abdominals and glutes on a mat.”

Hoover-Ernst said resistance bands and light dumbbells are needed for each of the three classes, and a stability ball is needed for the Beginners Class.

“An exercise mat, and step, are required for the advanced class,” said Hoover-Ernst. “Those wishing to do these exercises at home are encouraged to consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.”

For more information, call Henry County Senior Services at (770) 288-7000.