Staying healthy has no age limit. In fact, regular exercise can help people feel younger, stronger and more energized regardless of their age. Ohana Growth Partners’ Perry Hall, Maryland, club is proving just that through its fitness classes.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the club hosts a dedicated group of senior citizens for instructor-led classes. While the classes are open to all ages, senior citizens are the main participants in the classes. These classes provide the older members with a safe and structured way to work out and stay active. It started with one member wanting to stay active and working out with a PF^® trainer and then expanded to her friends and fellow members joining in on the weekly workouts. Now, the group boasts 12-15 regular members each week.

“This group is redefining ‘health and wealth’ in their golden years and why it’s never too late to join the class,” said General Manager Joshua Maxwell. “It’s a perfect example of how the Judgement Free Zone^® creates an inviting space.”

The fitness trainer who leads the class, Micah Burris, uses a functional training approach that includes a mix of free-weight dumbbells, bodyweight exercises and pin-loaded equipment for safety and resistance, along with total body coverage, cardio and specific training to improve balance and stability. The classes have had a huge positive impact on the members with many members noting a significant improvement in their balance, stability and overall ability to stay active.

“Our PE@PF sessions have evolved into much more than a workout,” Maxwell said. “They’ve become a cornerstone of these seniors’ lives and these seniors have built a vital community built on mutual support.”

In fact, the members loved the classes so much they had custom “Gym Is My Therapy” shirts designed to commemorate the classes.

“Seeing everyone wear these shirts, even on their off days, is a testament to the pride, unity and genuine connection this group has built being together at the Perry Hall location,” Burris said.