The Betty Ehart Senior Center at 1101 Bathtub Row in downtown Los Alamos. Photo by Elizabeth Coons

By BERADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
LARSO 

This week, new classes start at the Betty Ehart Senior Center, some in-person and some you can do, right in your own home. Next month additional classes will hopefully be added at the White Rock Senior Center.

Members 60 and over are welcome to use either center at no cost. Members 50-59 pay an annual $20 membership.

Jacci Gruninger will teach a seated chair yoga class 11 a.m. Mondays. Students are asked for a $5 donation to help the instructor with costs. She also has a variety of other in-person and on-line classes. According to Gruninger, this class is great for anyone with mobility issues, chronic pain or balance issues. If you are unavailable to attend Monday, reach out to the senior center for more information.

Next, the Los Alamos Cooperative Extension Agent will present an updated class called Strong Seniors, Strong Bones. This class, taught by Desaree Jimenez, is perfect for those over 50. It has been shown to help with mental health, strength and balance. If you would like to be independent for a longer period of time, this class is for you. It starts at 10 a.m. Tuesday with additional classes to follow. This class is taught at no fee for students.

Finally, Natalie Smith of Zumba fame, has taken time to record a Strength and Balance class for seniors on DVD. This class is conducted at a slow pace with some seated exercises. The goal is to increase balance for seniors and build good habits. The DVDs are available at the Betty Ehart Senior Center for $15 with $5 going to the instructor and $10 covering the cost of recording and printing the DVD. Our thanks to Jean from PAC-8 for taking the time to assist our seniors.

To learn more, or request information, on any of these classes, call 505.662.8920 or email Director@losalamosseniorcenter.com.