Fitness clubs for gray beards
Hi folks,
OK, I know it sounds a bit like an oxymoron... but are there fitness clubs for us gray beards? Yes, I'd much rather consider hoisting a large beer mug as ample exercise... but unfortunate experience says otherwise.
So, I might not be able to run marathons anymore (OK, I've probably never run over 3 miles at any one time... and that was only to follow a really cute girl on the track... no, she got away). But, I think I could still get interested in:
- weekly scuba to different parts of the islands
- weekly hikes through different areas
- some volunteer house building or fix ups for the needy
- softball teams
- I think my volleyball days are over... bummer
- yoga in the park (I saw a woman leading 3 other women in the east end park of STX last August)... as long as they don't do splits or mind an occasional moan, grunt or gas-passing, I'd be willing to try this
- bike riding sounds like suicide (although, I see bike riders... sorry, I wince... organ donors... ouch!)
- sailing clubs (I don't have a boat, but would love to learn to be a mate)
And, on the theme of "no pain... no pain", how about:
- foos ball (I bought a table a few years ago to see if I still have the moves that I had when I was 16 in a boarding school in Spain)... I do!!! And, the more beer I drink, the better I think I am!
- horticulture or farming clubs (you know, maybe everyone takes a different plant and grows it 5 different ways to see what works and what doesn't).
Are there any clubs like this on STX?
rmp
Habitat for Humanity is going on in the VI & according to their site will become active in STX soon. Check here:
There is a scuba club called CRABS. Ask at the dive shops, they organize regular dives. (STX)
Hi Trade, limetime2,
Thanks for the info... looking forward to it.
Btw, on Sunday morning show on CBS they had a story on us Baby Boomers... staying in shape. Of course they had Jack Lalane, who's like 94 and still exercising 2 hours a day. Man, he sounds pretty happy and healthy.
And, actually, I meant to say Snorkeling instead of SCUBA. It's not that I have anything against SCUBA. It's just that I get plenty of pleasure from snorkeling, and the equipment is a lot easier to buy, own, transport and use. I would like to take SCUBA lessons once, over at the WALL. But, I'm secretly hoping that it's only slightly better than snorkeling, and that I don't get hooked.
Hi stxsomeday,
Wow, what an excellent find! This would be a great way to explore the island, get to meet the neighbors and do a bit of clean up along the way. And, a great excuse to have a beer afterwards... thanks.
I have a suggestion for yoga. It's not in the park, but at the D. C. Canegata Fitness Center (next to the baseball field, across from Schooner Bay in STX). They offer a class at 8-9 am on Mon, Wed. and Friday. The teacher is excellent--she makes sure you are not hurting yourself and doing the poses correctly, plus she urges everyone to go at their own pace, so it's perfect for beginners and more experienced folks. While the demographics are primarily female, there are some guys that go and the ages of participants range from people in their early 30s up to 70s, I'd guess.
The cost to join the center is $75 per year and that entitles you to unlimited classes (they have some strength training and aerobics classes, as well as periodic dance classes). There is also a smallish gym that has some weight machines, bikes, treadmills and elliptical machines (maybe 2 per type). The place is a little quirky--it's not open on weekends, sometimes classes are delayed if the person w/the key doesn't show up and it's closed on all island holidays. On the other hand, it's incredibly cheap and I've been very happy with the yoga classes.
Hope that helps. Kim
Thanks Kim, Hi,
Sorry about not replying sooner... I'm just seeing your post now. This sounds pretty good. I'm thinking that this might be a nice change from the drudgery of my normal home-style workout routine. I don't mind quirky... I'm a bit quirky myself! And I'm sure the instructors are not being paid much, so I'd be fine with a bit of hit-or-miss. And, since I'll be living in Marienhoj (Marie's Hill) this would be very close.
So, we have: Habitat for Humanity, SCUBA clubs, Hiking clubs and Yoga. Starting to sound a bit like like summer camp... Woo hoo!
I might have to start the FoosBall club myself. Let's see... too old for strip-FoosBall (that is just a bad picture in so many ways!)... could play for beers. If I could convince a few people to get FoosBall tables then we could rotate to different people's homes.
Try the Beeston Hill Fitness Club. They are senior friendly and has classes specifically for active adults. They even have water aerobics. Their website is www.vihealth.com.
Try the Beeston Hill Fitness Club. They are senior friendly and has classes specifically for active adults. They even have water aerobics. Their website is www.vihealth.com.
Hey Richard!
Good place over at Beeston Hill!
I went there for some chiropractic work and have since joined their gym. (They waive the $250 initial fee if your a patient at the rehab/chiro center) Im not really a weight room guy, but i joined specifically for the pool. One lane guaranteed for laps! They have a 4-lane, 25 meter pool complete with lane lines and backstroke flags. In high school we used to swim 13,000 yards a day, today was day 2 in the pool, and i was done after about 800 meters. huffing and puffing! lol They also have a pretty big selection of machines and free weights. A great little Deli inside as well, the chicken vegatable soup was great today!
I'm a member at Beeston Hill. The active adult class that eeva mentioned is really cute. I sat in on it once. Literally sat! It's truly for serious greybeards. But, if you're just getting back into exercise or have some debilitating condition, it's a great way to stay limber and keep your strength up.
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