Sarita Stotler is all smiles as she leads her EnhanceFitness class at the Sumner Senior Center.
The seniors who attend the class look focused and energetic, and many of them mirror Stotler’s upbeat attitude.
“Remember, it’s all at your own pace,” the fitness instructor reminds the class every so often. “Listen to your bodies.”
Stotler teaches this class, geared toward adults 55 and older, three days a week in Puyallup and Sumner. It’s part of Good Samaritan’s Celebrate Seniority outreach program, which aims to keep seniors active and independent.
The class is a well-rounded mix of stretching, cardiovascular, strength training, flexibility and balance exercises that will help adults maintain their health and fitness, Stotler said.
Seniors use light hand weights for portions of the hour-long class, and oldies music keeps the atmosphere casual.
Participants can go at their own pace throughout the class and Stotler allows frequent breaks for water.
“It’s just a fun class,” Stotler said. “They really enjoy it.”
And it’s a good fit for Stotler, who is enthusiastic about health and fitness.
“My passion is to help seniors to stay physically fit,” Stotler said.
It’s rewarding when seniors tell her their success stories and how the class has helped them stay in shape, she said.
“It’s good for seniors to be in a fitness program so that they can maintain their independence,” Stotler said.
Sumner seniors Pat Hegel, 73, and Elfie Donaldson, 79, couldn’t agree more. Donaldson, who is diabetic, said her balance and posture have improved quite a bit since starting the class.
“I look forward to it,” Donaldson said. “I don’t miss it if I can help it.”
In fact, despite a back injury, Donaldson still attends the class and does what she can.
“We really work,” Donaldson said. “We all enjoy each other.”
It helps that Stotler’s a good teacher, the women said. She’s friendly, upbeat and fun.
“Don’t worry if you haven’t been having a good day,” Stotler said as she began her Friday class at the Sumner Senior Center. “Because you’ll have one now. Come on, let me see some smiles.”
EnhanceFitness is free for Group Health members and typically $25 for 15 sessions for others — but a sliding fee scale is available.
The class was developed by the University of Washington’s Health Promotion Resource Center and Group Health Cooperative.
In addition to the Sumner Senior Center, Stotler teaches at the Puyallup Activity Center and the Good Samaritan facility on East Main Street in Puyallup.
JOIN ENHANCEFITNESS CLASS FOR OLDER ADULTS
-Call Sarita Stotler, fitness instructor, at 253-697-7389.
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