Local seniors who have been participating in a unique functional mobility class at Crossfit Orillia are raving about the results.
The Legends Lunch program has been operating for over a year now and its popularity continues to grow. The program is geared toward people 55 years old and older.
“It’s really taken off and we’ve got a lot of response and interest from people,” said CrossFit Orillia owner and trainer Matt Spencer. “The program empowers a population that is told constantly to be careful, to watch themselves, and not hurt themselves.”
With the oldest person being 84 years old, Spencer says the goal is to give participants the confidence to get off the couch, build strength, improve balance and coordination, and relieve the worries of what would happen if they fell.
“We can never prevent a fall,” Spencer said. “But if they do fall, this program will give them the strength to get back up.”
Spencer says there is a ton of need for the program, and it can help seniors stay out of nursing homes.
“It helps with balance, strength, and it gives them a social hour, too,” he said.
Judy Haig, 80, joined the program when it started. She was encouraged to do so by her daughter.
“She said that it would be good for somebody older like me,” Haig explained. “It’s scaled for my energy levels, my age, and abilities.”
Haig says the program has helped her immensely over the last 12 months.
“For a while, I wasn’t well and couldn’t do the usual household things,” she said. “Since joining this program I’ve gotten so much of my strength and flexibility back.”
Even at her age, Haig says she isn’t worried about falling, because the program has made her feel strong enough that she could get up.
“I want to challenge all older people to get on the floor and see if they can get up,” she said. “If you can’t get up, come here and get a little bit stronger.”
Paul Barker, 66, joined the program three weeks ago. While he hasn’t been to a gym in 30 years, Barker was encouraged to join the program by a friend who does yoga.
“She couldn’t even get up off the floor and now she’s here doing this,” he said. “She said they adjust every exercise for everybody’s capabilities.”
Barker says he’s enjoying the program so far, and he has already seen improvements in himself.
“Last Friday I did 55 sit-ups, and I hadn’t been able to do one sit-up in years,” he said. “There are warm-ups to get to that point and everything is broken down into pieces.”
Spencer says there is always room for more seniors to join and Crossfit would never turn anyone away. To get involved or for more information, email [email protected]
