By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

In quoting Albert Einstein, instructor Judith Bryant said “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

This is a philosophy that fits well with Kentwood Parks and Rec instructor Bryant’s Senior Strong Fitness program, which gives community members opportunities to connect with each other and form a more active lifestyle.

Bryant first joined Kentwood’s Senior Strong Fitness Class as a participant in February 2010.

“I was retired in 2005 and I was just so bored,” Bryant said with a laugh. “I had been walking…even doing some 5Ks until I tore my meniscus.”

Unable to walk long distances any longer, Bryant joined Senior Strong Fitness.

When the class was in danger of being shut down due to a lack of leadership, Bryant stepped in as instructor.

“Our previous exercise instructor took very ill, and she could no longer teach,” Bryant said. “The staff was trying to keep it going, and they have so much to do with everything else going on at the rec center it was getting really hard.”

After seeing the Activities Center’s ad for a fitness instructor, Bryant thought to herself, “I can do that.”

Bryant creates her own routines for the class, researching senior exercises and then working them into a routine.

“I write it down, then I try it out…I make sure it fits within an hour, add or eliminate,” Bryant said.

Each class includes low impact stretching and exercise that focuses on balance and strength. Participants are led through a warmup, cardio exercises to get their hearts pumping, and then a cooldown.

Bryant also encourages members to keep moving at home.

“I try to give them tips on what to do at home and if they are having a hard time doing something, I’ll take a minute or so to show them.”

From 7 to 28 members

Under Bryant’s instruction, Senior Strong Fitness has increased in numbers over the last few years.

“We used to have seven or eight real regulars,” Bryant said. “Now we have 28 regulars, plus people drop in. And they stay.

“It’s a fun group of people. The participants are coming in earlier so they can sit in the lobby and talk with each other.”

Class members enjoy each other’s company, even meeting outside the Activities Center for an annual summer picnic and other activities.

Forming bonds within the community is an important aspect of the class for Bryant.

“This is the only (social) outlet for some of them,” Bryant said. “I have four people in their 90s, and it is amazing to see how much they can do.”

Bryant revealed that was another reason she took over as instructor.

“I really didn’t want (the class) to fold because it was their only social outlet.”

One member confided to Bryant that the Senior Strong Fitness class was her only means of visiting with other people since most of her friends have passed away.

Senior Strong Fitness is available for community members ages 50 and up. The class meets three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-2 p.m. in the Kentwood Activities Center gym at 355 48th St. SE.

To find out more about Senior Strong Fitness and other senior class offerings at the Kentwood Activities Center, click here: Senior Programs