Spring Valley YMCA Offers Free Classes for Seniors

The staff of the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA announced this week that they have partnered with Pfizer, Inc. to launch a new program called 50 Moving Forward. 

50 Moving Forward is aimed at adults age 50 and older, because, the YMCA says, they make up more than 45 percent of the members at the Spring Valley YMCA. The program is a wellness initiative focusing on healthy eating, fitness, and prevention measures including screenings and vaccinations. It will run for the next six months at the Spring Valley YMCA.

“The YMCA has always sought to help its members enhance their overall well-being, and with 50 Moving Forward, we are in a unique position to help adults 50 years and older broaden their social networks while making progress toward their personal goals,” says John F. Flynn, president & CEO, Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA, in a press release sent out by the YMCA.

Classes include Band Camp, a class for strength training with resistance bands; Beginner Biking, a stationary bike-riding class; Cardio Dance; and Finally Food and Fitness, which will teach healthy eating. 

Participants are already taking advatage of some of the classes, incuding Spring Valley participant Christina Bessette. 

“50 Moving Forward is about taking a comprehensive approach to health through healthy eating, being physically active, taking preventive measures and staying socially active,” Bessette said in the press release. “But what I’m looking forward to is bringing together others like me to create a sense of community so we can tackle these life challenges together.”

YMCA members and nonmembers 50 and older will be able to sign up for free classes and wellness events either online by going to http://ymca.net/50movingforward/ or by going to the Abington or Spring Valley YMCA in person.