San Manuel Miner
There has been a group of people meeting at the San Manuel Elks Club to exercise for some time now. A lot of senior citizens make up the group but it is open to everyone. One lady said her 6-year-old grandson comes and exercises with them. Enriqueta Guevara is the class instructor and leader. “She is awesome, we are very fortunate to have her,” said Ruthie Wentworth.
Ruthie is new to San Manuel having moved here three years ago. She said, “The Elks Club was gracious enough to let us exercise and store our equipment here without charging us.” Ruthie also said she has been seeing a chiropractor who told her since she has started the exercise program she has shown a lot of improvement. The class members put out a donation jar and at the end of the month give the donated funds to the Elks for their many programs. They give on average over a $100 a month.
Long time resident Hazel Cooper said, “It is a good thing for seniors.” The class gets some “snowbirds” during the winter. The exercise class is designed for all levels of participation, everyone moves at their own pace. For seniors the exercises help strengthen bones, build muscles, and improve balance which can protect them from falls and fractures while improving their energy.
The classes start out with everyone dancing and moving to the “oldies” (old rock and roll). Then they exercise which includes stretching, movements with light dumbbells, resistance exercises using flat tubular bands and balance exercises. The group moves continuously with short breaks for water. They all look like they are having fun. The free exercise classes are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Elks Club is located at 143 8th Ave. Use the back entrance near the barbecue pit. Everyone is welcome!