Seniors move to music

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, music fills the Golden Hour Senior Center cafeteria as seniors dance to the high-energy beat.

Around 9:15 a.m. on those days, seniors gather for Zumba Gold and have a good time while working out and strengthening their muscles.

Zumba and Zumba Gold instructor Amanda Garrison, said she has been teaching both classes through Western Wyoming Community College since 2011.

Garrison learned how to Zumba while living in Palm Springs, Calif. She attended those classes as a student, but enjoyed them so much she decided to become and instructor.

Zumba Gold is designed for seniors and people with different ability levels. The moves completed are made to have less of an impact joints and the choreography is different to regular Zumba.

To keep seniors entertained, Garrison uses Zumba songs that their generation can appreciate. Some of the songs played at from Johnny Cash and Jackie Wilson.

"I try to choose ones that appeal to the group I'm teaching for," she said.

At Monday's Zumba Gold class, attendance was sparse.

Only two residents were at the class, but that didn't stop them from having a good time. A lot of seniors went to football games or hunting, which is why the attendance was down.

Dottie Krauss, who has attended the class for about a year said this is something she looks forward to.

"I think it's the best thing going," Krauss said. "I've already lost eight pounds and several inches."

Krauss wasn't always this positive.

"When I first saw it being done my first response was 'I thought I can't do that' and look at me now," Krauss said.

As soon as the music started, Krauss started dancing along with Garrison to one of her favorite songs "Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson.

Krauss said she has tried other exercise programs, but she always got up and would think "ugh. I have to go exercise now."

"Now, I get up and say I can't wait to get there," Krauss said.

Carmen Tune, who has also attended the class for about a year, said she knows it is good exercise because when she doesn't attend she can really feel a difference.

Garrison said she is so impressed with what the seniors have done and how far they have come along.

At first, those who attended the class could only workout for about 35 minutes with a lot of breaks, but now they are up to 50 minutes and they hardly take breaks. Only short ones to drink water.

At the end of the workout, Garrison makes sure the participants work on their balance. It is important at any age, but especially for seniors, she said.

"Everyone's balance has improved so much. I am impressed," Garrison said.

She wants to encourage all seniors to try the program out. She said she currently has a couple of people who have had knee replacements and they work out in chairs.

"It it doesn't feel good to the body, let me know and we'll modify it," she said.

Garrison is happy to change some moves to make sure all participants can have fun without getting injured.