Seniors Aim High Fitness Program Helps Older New Yorkers Get Fit and Socialize

Every Tuesday, Ramona Garcia comes early to the sports center at The Armory in Washington Heights because she doesn’t want to miss the fitness class she gets through the Seniors Aim High program.

“And this is a program that has helped me a lot physically because I am a sick person, with many muscular problems,” said García.

And even though she comes from The Bronx, that’s no excuse for the 70-year-old not to feel full of life every time she sets foot here.

“Because many of us who are old and sick need it to exercise our bodies, which helps us a lot,” Garcia added.

The Armory started this program last year in collaboration with Columbia University Irving Medical Center for people 60 and older from Washington Heights, Inwood, Harlem and the South Bronx. The sessions consist of one hour of exercises and medical talks.

“After the pandemic we thought a lot to launch the program, because at that time many of them had been locked up at home for two years, they had lost muscle strength, they did not move much, some were depressed, others were very stressed, so we said, you have to do it,” explained Nancy Chang, Internal Medicine Specialist, Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

The free sessions for the more than 300 participants begin with a light and dynamic warm-up to the rhythm of music.

Then they go out to the track to go around walking, jogging or running, depending on their physical condition, everyone goes at their own pace.

Shortly after, the interior is transformed into the perfect place to carry out more guided exercises with dances.

“It’s fascinating, rewarding and exhilarating as you can see, they now have the opportunity not only to get more fit, but to be more sociable, have fun dancing,” said Francyne Evans, fitness instructor.

For Jacinta Marche, 80, the sessions have helped her lose five pounds and she says she feels healthier than ever and happy to share with other people her age.

Those interested in registering can obtain information on the page armory.nyc or send an email [email protected]