Visions of fitness

March 11, 2005

Casey Ressler/Valley Life editor

Dorothy Nichols takes a deep breath, squeezes the barbells with her hands, and then forces them over her head, where she holds them for a second before slowly letting them down. After a few repetitions, Nichols has a bit of sweat on her forehead, even though the barbells are only a pound each.

Nichols is living proof that the Visions program is working. At the Mid-Valley Senior Center, Nichols - who, by the way, happens to be 96 years old - and other senior citizens are teaming up with high school students from MidValley High School twice a week to not only exercise, but build lifelong relationships. Visions was chosen as the program's name because it reflects the long-term direction of becoming more physically fit, and accomplishing goals, said organizers.

As part of the program, each senior is paired with one student. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they exercise together as a team, under the instruction of Karla Williams, a personal trainer.

"I enjoy it. It makes me feel so alive," said Nichols. "It makes me feel a lot better."

And it isn't just the seniors who are enjoying a new, more active lifestyle. Last Tuesday, the students were scheduled to go on a field trip during the day. After they found out they wouldn't make it back to the senior center for their 3:30 p.m. exercise time, they forced a change in plans, because they didn't want to miss exercising with their senior partners.

"It's cool working with Jerry," said Nathan Edgar, one of the students in the program. "I'm learning how cool old people can be."

Most of the program's participants, both young and old, said the Visions program is the first time they have participated in an exercise program.

"I'm here to see how much I can do, and how I can do better through exercise," said Sharon Frost, one of the seniors. "We feel like we are totally blessed to be exposed to these young people who care so much. They make us want to come out twice a week."

Williams said she is thrilled with the progress so far.

"The changes have been astronomical. You are never too old to change from within," Williams said. "The students have the strength and the seniors have the desire, and together, they make a great team."

The idea to get the Visions program launched started last October during a health fair at the senior center.

One senior, Edith McIntire, suggested that they needed a more regular routine. After some talks, and more importantly, some fund-raising, the program launched earlier this winter. There have been approximately 20-30 participants at each session, Williams said.

Community groups have donated money for mats, water bottles and other items, and MidValley's "Great Alaskan ESCAPE" grant through the federal Department of Education also helped cover the costs. The Mid-Valley Senior Center is also a United Way of Mat-Su member agency.

"It's unique bringing those two generations together, but when you think about it, the seniors have grandchildren that may be spread out around the country, and some of the students may not have grandparents, and it works out for both groups," said Elsie O'Bryan of the senior center. "There is a lot of camaraderie among the seniors and the students."

In addition to the exercise routine, Williams also helps both groups understand better nutrition, and the importance of drinking water, as opposed to coffee or soda.

Tuesday, when Williams asked the group what they have learned, McIntire replied, "I can't hold all that water," as the group erupted in laughter.

Following each workout session, the students then join the seniors for dinner at the Mid-Valley Senior Center.

"It's getting me away from being lazy, and it's interesting to come have dinner at the senior center," said student Tru Martin. "It's going to help me get in shape to get a job, too."

Next week is spring break, and originally, there was going to be a one-week hiatus in the Visions program. But not after the students found out about those plans.

"They said they're coming, and the seniors better come to," O'Bryan said with a laugh.