TO DO IT
Dadeland Mall, 7535 N. Kendall Dr., Kendall (enter the mall via the CVS and Macy's Furniture Store side). Senior Exercise Program sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida; 786-596-70449 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, FridayCost: FreeRATING SCALE: Zero (Worthless) to Four Stars (Outstanding)Few things beat socializing and exercising together, especially as we age.
Anything that gets us out of the house to see familiar faces, catch up on the day's news and burn calories while we do so is a blessing.
That's why Baptist Health South Florida's Senior Exercise Program at Dadeland Mall in Kendall has been so popular.
Friendships are born, it's 60 minutes of activity and it's inspiring. Up until 2005, Baptist boasted Gerry Howlett, a 101-year-old woman who took part in the cardio workout three times a week for the last 18 years of her life. Gerry wowed everyone. My pal Kay Sestok, a former dancer, can still kick higher at 87 than I can and I'm pretty limber. Mom goes, too, so it's something constructive we can do together on the times this lazy head can roll out of bed for the 9 a.m. class.
• Monday and Wednesday classes start with about 20 minutes of cardio: the grapevine, squats, jumping jacks, leg kicks, arm reaches and curls, stretching. Then, everyone walks the west portion of the mall for about 20 minutes.
Class ends with about 15 minutes of weights (bring your own light hand weights) and stretches. On Monday, trainer Fabiola (Faby) Yasky conducts the session with her high energy, athletic style. On Wednesday, Nan Imbesi, a dance/yoga instructor, runs class.
• Fridays feature tai chi with Steve Chin.
DADELAND MALL WALKERS ***
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
That's up to you. If you feel like just walking, briskly or leisurely, and skipping the cardio calisthenics, no one admonishes you. Some just walk. If you feel up to it -- and most do -- keep up with Yasky and Imbesi. Yasky is a bit more aggressive and faster paced. Imbesi calls on her dance know-how for some graceful combinations. Both use upbeat pop music from the '40s through contemporary to keep the pace. Chin's tai chi is a mental and physical challenge but not stressful.
FUN FACTOR
Yasky and Imbesi are the best thing to happen to Dadeland Mall Walkers since my previous fave, Ana Kaderabek, left some years ago. These instructors don't patronize or coddle seniors. The moves are for real; you get as good a workout as you put into it. Chin's personable nature and tai chi is a fine week ending complement to the cardio workouts.
