Deborah Smith’s mantra is “keep active as you age.”
The retired radiation therapist, Tai Chi instructor and yoga devotée is one of Creemore’s new volunteer SMART program instructors.
SMART (which stands for Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) is a twice-weekly exercise program held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, at no cost to participants.
The program is funded by the Ontario government for people older than 55 years or individuals with chronic diseases.
“Through my background in medicine, I saw people in their sixties who were unable to get up and down from the treatment couch on their own. I have seen what inability does to you as you age,” explained Deborah.
Through a series of 15 gentle exercises, Deborah helps participants improve their strength, balance and flexibility.
The 45-minute class begins with a warm-up that participants can do standing up or sitting down. Stretching and marching are accompanied by breathing exercises.
The workout includes leg and arm movements, shoulder stretches and ball exercises to strengthen the hands.
“It’s gentle but fun. You can put as much into it as you want, and you can exercise at whatever level you can do.”
Deborah is looking for more participants for her class, which she runs with local yoga teacher, Catherine Randall. Both were trained by the Victorian Order of Nurses, which organizes the SMART program.
Join SMART yourself by coming to a class on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Register to come once or twice a week, or drop in as a visitor before making the commitment.
For more information, call Program Coordinator Michelle Foster at 705-309-7054.
Join SMART
Tuesday at 1 pm and Thursdays at 11 am
St. Luke’s Anglican Church
No cost