Senior fitness program at three parks

Calling all seniors!
Unpack those tennis whites, lace up your walking shoes get ready to say “Om” during the City Parks Foundation’s (CPF) Spring 2007 Senior Fitness program being offered at three Queens parks beginning Monday, April 30.
With the weather warming up, CityParks Senior Fitness will offer free tennis lessons, fitness walking and yoga instruction at Astoria Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Roy Wilkins Park through Friday, June 22.
“We welcome senior New Yorkers to get fit, stay healthy, and have fun together in city parks this spring through our seniors fitness program,” said David Rivel, executive director of CPF. “Neighborhood parks are excellent places for seniors to exercise and improve their health while meeting new friends and neighbors.”
The health benefits of fitness activities for seniors are well documented. Even in moderate amounts, exercise can help to maintain or lose weight, reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes, and minimize the symptoms of arthritis and osteoporosis.
“Fitness activity is a great way for seniors to maintain and improve their health. Many health concerns, including diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, and possibly memory-loss, can be improved with consistent physical activity,” said Dr. Eileen Callahan, an assistant professor in geriatrics at Mount Sinai Medical School.
All activities take place twice a week at each location. To maximize health benefits, participants are encouraged to register for two or more weekly activities and maintain regular attendance.

The Spring 2007 City Parks Seniors Fitness schedules are as follows:
Astoria Park