Seniors draw inspiration from 'Star Wars' in new fitness class

The “Force” was strong within Nifty After Fifty’s walls, as a new “Power Saber” Fitness class took place last Thursday. 

“This class, it features our members where they’re working out to a more Star Wars theme I suppose,” said Nicole Leon, a Wellness Coach at Nifty After Fifty. “It’s more of an aerobic workout. You know, they’re moving their bodies, they’re moving around trying to get fit for the most part.” 

Many of the class’s participants are in the right age group to be fairly familiar with the Star Wars franchise, with several having seen the films when they originally came out in theaters.

This only added to the fun of the workout. 

“I feel like I’m in the movie,” said 76 year-old Maria Elena.

This was the first time that Downey’s location offered the class. According to staff, the class’s repeated availability depends on its reception. 

Last week, however, the Padawans in attendance were all smiles. 

Jeanine Marak, Director of Wellness operations, described the class as an “instant hit.”

 “It seems that whenever we have ‘toys’ – that’s the attraction at first – they just love anything with a flare, a bling type of thing…,” said Marak. “…It works really on their agility, their balance. And they don’t even know it because they’re having fun.”