About LipscombSpinning, nutrition, history and computers among the offerings at Lifelong Learning 2011
By Janel Shoun on 8/23/2011
It’s easy to see that the senior generation is everywhere: in restaurants, stores, businesses and churches. But how many do you see in the local fitness club?
Fitness experts say that the 50+ customer market is among the most consistent and loyal a health club can have, yet many fitness organizations are not taking advantage of this population’s desire to get out and begin exercising.
One way seniors could get started is by signing up for the Ageless Spinning® course offered through Lipscomb University’s Lifelong Learning program beginning Sept. 7. For just $60, 14 seniors can try out Spinning, an exercise usually associated with much younger crowds, in the recently renovated Student Activities Center.
Click here to see a full line-up of Lifelong Learning courses.
But Spinning can be highly profitable for the senior set, said Emily Harris, Lipscomb University’s director of campus recreation and a certified Spinning coach who will be teaching the course. This course will be offered one day a week, for five days. Spinning provides seniors increased energy and activity levels, improved balance, gait and posture, greater joint mobility and reduced arthritic pain, she said.
“Scientists are now recognizing that genetics only account for about 30 percent of the effects of aging,” Harris said. “Environmental and lifestyle factors are what really make a difference in how much we feel our age, so the more we exercise, the more we can combat that 30 percent genetics and minimize the effect on our quality of life.”
But Spinning? The exercise big in the 90s where indoor bikers pedal away to loud music or scenic roadway views projected on the wall in front of them?
According to Mad Dogg Athletics, the company that has developed all Spinning programs including the current version targeted to seniors, scientific studies have shown that with more intensity in training, seniors can expect the same gains in muscle mass and strength as younger people. Plus, Spinning can help seniors specifically by decreasing the amount of muscle mass lost naturally through aging; increasing flexibility in the hips and leg joints, very important to prevent falls; and any type of exercise can improve mental abilities and prevent memory loss.
In addition, Lipscomb’s Lifelong Learning program will also offer a nutrition course beginning Thursday, Oct. 20 and a follow-up session of Ageless Spinning beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19.
Nutrition from the Ground Up, taught by registered dietician Lynn Henderson, will feature topics such as “Nutrition and Aging,” “Healthy Heart” and “Healthy Holiday Eating.”
In the past, the annual Lifelong Learning program has provided courses on Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, neurological disorders, Pilates for seniors, appropriate use of prescription drugs and difficult generational and aging issues.
The Lifelong Learning program is designed for adults of all ages who want to expand their knowledge and explore new ideas in an informal, noncompetitive environment.
The cost of each course is $60 per person or $100 for an individual to take two or more classes in the same session. Those interested can register online or print out a mail-in registration form at http://lifelonglearning.lipscomb.edu/ or call the Lifelong Learning office at 615.966.5733 or e-mail amy.hamar@lipscomb.edu
Click here to see a complete list of Lifelong Learning courses
Click here to register for a class.