Ageless Fitness of Sussex County continues hybrid classes

A happy 66-year-old Jo Ann Amann of Lewes has just finished her 40-minute fitness workout at Ageless Fitness of Sussex County, wearing a protective mask and keeping her distance from two classmates. Coronavirus won’t stop her.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ageless Fitness of Sussex classes are offered with a hybrid option.

"Those who feel comfortable to come in can be physically present, and those that are still hesitant can join their sessions from home via Zoom," said Sharon Padbury, co-founder of Ageless Fitness of Sussex County. "It's going to be a hybrid for a short period of time. Members can continue to work out over Zoom so they are still part of their class but at home."

Since she joined in February, Amann’s balance is much better.

"I've improved my balance and form while doing everyday things like getting something out of the cupboard, picking up a little kid. I'm doing it correctly now," Amann said. "I've learned to pace myself more and it's from the benefits of being here. I feel great, more energy, more stamina."

Ageless Fitness incorporates six domains of function into weekly workout exercises which challenge neuromuscular fitness, cardiorespiratory endurance, cognitive brain health, balance, mobility and musculoskeletal strength.

The functional training, which focuses on everyday movement patterns, lets participants reach, bend, lean, turn, twist, stoop and change directions more easily.

Craig Fraser, 68, of Rehoboth Beach learned during his annual physical last year that he was losing muscle mass. His general practitioner told him to get busy. Fraser went to Ageless Fitness.

"After only six weeks, I have strength and confidence that I didn't have before. My balance and functional strength have improved. It's the best decision I've made for myself in ages," Fraser said.

He said he had joined other local gyms but soon was unmotivated and uninterested. "Having a trainer and classes forces you out of bed and into the sweats and up here for your scheduled activity. This place is wonderful. You can’t blow it off,” he said.

Like others in his class, Fraser loves his trainer, Katie Gerber. "These people are great. My trainer is professional and prepared; she cares about us and she watches us to make sure we're OK,” he said.

Amann agreed: "It's a small group – the trainer watches everyone, makes sure you're using proper technique and being safe. She makes you warm up and she makes you cool down. It's part of the training program.”

Padbury is giving away copies of the book “Powerful Aging: Your Fitness Lifestyle for Staying Stronger, Longer,” which offers exercises to decrease pain, increase strength, combat debilitating neuromuscular conditions and improve balance. Padbury co-wrote the book with Ageless Fitness co-founder Jackie Sullivan, executive director of Village Volunteers, an organization helping older adults live independently. Both are dedicated to promoting healthful aging.

"If they're contemplating joining a class, they can read the book. It teaches them about exercise, and the Ageless Fitness program and why it’s important, while giving them home workout options," Padbury said. "They can read it now, and when they feel ready to come here, they already know about the program.”

The Ageless Fitness program is offered by Anytime Fitness, 17400 N. Village Main Blvd. in Lewes, which is certified by the Functional Aging Institute. All trainers have earned the title of functional aging specialist.

For more information about Ageless Fitness of Sussex County, go to agelessfitnesssussex.com.