SilverSneakers king and queen Barry Wheeler and Kathryn Reef were named Mardi Gras king and queen of the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program at the Carroll County YMCA. Standing behind them is Sherry Hensley, SilverSneakers instructor. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald A SilverSneakers® Mardi Gras king and queen were crowned at the Carroll County YMCA last Wednesday.

Winners were Barry Wheeler and Kathryn Reef.

The Mardi Gras theme was chosen as a way of promoting the Healthways Silver- Sneakers Fitness Program at the Y. The king and queen were chosen by who came the most times to the Silver- Sneakers class and/or other fitness facilities at the Y from Jan. 1 to March 31.

Wheeler participated 38 times, and Reef, 55 times. They were each given a duffle bag as a prize.

SilverSneakers is a national fitness program designed specifically for older adults and taught by certified instructors.

It has been offered at the local Y since last summer. Classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:15 to 10 a.m.

Stretch those muscles SilverSneakers“ class members are shown doing a stretching exercise during a recent class. Gay Wheeler, front left, is wearing a mask to go along with a recent participation contest with a Mardi Gras theme. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald Instructors are Sherry Hensley (Mondays and Wednesdays) and Dianna Fred (Fridays).

Hensley said 12-15 come on a regular basis. She said she would like to see more attend because of the health benefits.

"They do exercises on chairs, but also get up and down," she said. "They do low to medium impact exercises, each at their own pace."

"Equipment is provided by SilverSneakers," Hensley added. She said some of the items used are elastic cords, hand weights, and small inflatable balls.

Some of the benefits of the class, according to Hensley, are muscle flexibility, cardio, range of motion, stretching, and balance.

Not only is the exercising good for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and helping prevent heart disease and other conditions, but Hensley said people come in for specific reasons, too.

"Some have attended the class after having back surgery, knee replacement, a stroke, or to relieve stress," she said.

"They've said it's good to get out of the house and visit with others," Hensley added.

"We try to make it fun, too," she said. All the exercises are done to music.

Gay Wheeler of Flora said she comes to the class for the health benefits and also because she enjoys exercising.

"I've been addicted to exercising for 30 years," she said. "If I don't exercise, I feel I've missed something."

Her husband, Barry, recently started working out in the weight room, and they both enjoy walking the trail at the Flora park.

Victor and Sue Brown of Delphi also come to the Y. They said the SilverSneakers class and the exercise room help them with their mobility during the winter months when they aren't as active.

"I have diabetes, and the class helps my feet," Sue said.

Norma Shafer said she has fibermyalgia, and the Silver- Sneakers program lessens her pain.

She said she also has appreciated getting to know the other members of the class.

"It's a family atmosphere," she said.

Sarah Maxwell, YMCA membership director, said the SilverSneakers program is ongoing. Participants can come as often as they like, and new members can join anytime.

Maxwell said any YMCA member can come to the class free, or non-members can pay a small fee per class. She said some people can qualify for a free Y membership through their health plans.

For more information, call the YMCA, 967-4449, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.silversneakers.com.