By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Have you ever experienced a time when you felt listless and depressed, but when you got up out of your chair and found something to do, you felt better?

That’s what a group of older adults from the Goessel area experienced when they joined a strength-training program last fall at Alexanderwohl Church.

They enjoyed the benefits of the eight-week program — Stay Strong, Stay Healthy — so much that at least eight members of the original group continued the program on their own.

The same program is scheduled to begin at Marion Senior Center Sept 10 and will continue through Nov. 5. The group will meet from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays.

“We felt like it made a big difference in our strength,” Goessel participant Darla Banman said. “For me, it helped my balance and increased the strength in my legs and arms.”

She said one man who had back issues reported a considerable strengthening of his back. Others reported increased flexibility. Participants ranged in age from the 60s to the 80s.

After initial warm-up exercises, easy workouts gradually increased to include hand, arm, and leg weights. Each person adjusted the exercises to meet their ability.

All sessions ended with a cool-down regimen.

After a brief hiatus, the group started up again Monday.

Extension agent Tristen Cope will direct the eight-week program in Marion. In addition to benefits already mentioned, she said the program also helps control weight, decreases depression, reduces the risk of heart disease, and helps manage diabetes.

The cost is $20. Registration is available by calling (620) 382-2325 or visiting the extension website at www.marion.k-state.edu.