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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
From the sheer volume and level of enthusiasm heard from down the hall, you would think there was an exercise class for kids going on at the Westwood Senior Center. Of course, it was many of the regular members who are a few years older than teenagers, but the fun they had during their Low Impact Exercise Class was palpable.
Eileen Smith lead the group in a series of exercises, some sitting and others standing. “This is a gentle class, and I combine range of motion movement with low impact walk aerobic. In general, I try to give them a head to toe workout but we put an emphasis on balance, on working with the hands, and the core, the domino area, and the back,” she said.
There’s more than just physical benefits to the class, however. Smith added, “I like to help them with the aging process to maintain muscle strength, to improve balance, just to help to give them a better outlook. And to have fun!” It’s also quite a social event. “It’s a great group! The instructor before me had formed a really good kinship with all of them, they still meet once a month to go out to dinner.”
While they may have loved their previous instructor, Smith is wildly beloved. Barbara Scruton, a Cape Cod native, was visiting her son in Westwood. “I took classes for years at the Cape, but this lady is fantastic. She always has a smile on her face and that helps. But she explains what she’s doing, too. I think she’s excellent.”
Chatting amongst each other, another participant exclaimed, “Oh God, is she good!”
Smith chooses the music for each class herself. “Today we had the Bee Gees and then Phil Coulter, who’s an Irish musician. His music is wonderful for cooling down the body and getting them ready for the rest of the day.”
A Norwood native now, Smith said she tries to keep the class interested by not having a set routine. She also tries to incorporate tips on balance throughout the class. “We could be working our arms, however, that’s just our upper body, so I’ll always work the lower body. I have them walking in place through the whole class - if I can get their attention! That way, as they’re strengthening their arms and their legs, they’re also working on their mental stability. It’s kind of multitasking.”
After class was over, members stayed and chatted with each other and Eileen. While they are a tight-knit social group, they are also always welcoming of newcomers.
