| Exercise
classes help with fast recovery
Jack Wimer had triple bypass surgery at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane on January 23; he was out of the hospital in four days and back at exercise class within 10 days. “I credit Shelli Schumacher and the senior exercise program for my quick recovery,” stated Wimer. “I have been attending these exercise classes for over two years so my balance and core strength are pretty good. As you know after heart surgery you can’t really use your upper body; so you can’t push up with your arms to get up, you have to rely on your legs and abdominal strength to get up out of bed or even out of a chair. You wouldn’t believe how much strength it takes to move yourself without being able to use your arms and because of this class I was able to do just that. After two years of these complete body workout classes, which also consists of leg strengthening and balancing exercises, I was able to just about pop out of bed. I never once lost my balance or got dizzy.” Shelli Schumacher has been facilitating these classes since November of 2011. This program is designed specifically for senior citizens to increase their strength and balance, to decrease the risk of falling, to enhance independence and confidence and to enable them to become more physically fit. “And it obviously helps with recovery after surgery,” commented Schumacher. On an average there are about 20 to 25 people who attend each class and they range in age from 53 to 88. The exercises vary from walking and stretching, to doing some of the more fun ones like; the chair dance, muscle man, and rock the baby. “I will be participating in the St. Mary’s Hospital Cardiac Rehab program on Wednesdays and Fridays, but I will still continue to attend the senior exercise classes twice a week,” said Wimer. “These classes make life a ton easier if you have any health problems; I highly recommend them. My heart doctor up in Spokane even told me he would give me an extended warranty if I continue these classes,” laughed Wimer. The classes, which are sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital, are offered every Monday and Thursday from 9:30am to 10:30am in the Cottonwood Community Hall. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend a class to see if it would be a good fit for them. The cost is only $5.00 a month which helps offset the power bill for the hall. If you have any questions concerning the classes Schumacher can be reached at 962-5371. There is also an adult exercise class which is held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 in the Cottonwood Community Hall. This class is geared more towards the 40 to 60 years olds, but all ages are welcome to attend. 
Jack Wimer and Shell Schumacher pose for the camera after their morning exercise class. Photo provided by Cheri Holthaus. |
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