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Couple remains active thanks to YMCA

1 November 2011
Couple remains active thanks to YMCA

Dayton Daily News
By Beth Anspach, Hereabouts
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

ddn110311bzbeth_1039964c.jpgHuber Heights residents Jim and Sheri Bauman refuse to let their ages and health conditions hold them back. In fact, according to Jim, they are “active all the time,” and are usually at the Huber Heights YMCA four or five days a week.

Jim, who is a Silver Sneakers instructor, said he stumbled upon the program six years ago.

“We were busy, but we weren’t active,” Jim said. “I saw a flyer describing the program, and I thought it sounded like a great idea.”

Sheri suffers from a disease that affects her muscles and vocal chords and is confined to a wheelchair.

“She can’t do a whole lot and really needs exercises that can be done in a chair. Silver Sneakers offers classes entirely in chairs.”

Jim said when the couple joined the group it had just 25 members. It now has grown to more than 70.

“We have a lot of fun as a group,” Jim said. “We play volleyball, cornhole, racquet ball and badminton. The Y also gives our group three hours each morning for open gym.”

Remaining active through old age has become a focus according to the national Silver Sneakers spokesperson, Mallory Goldberg.

“The program encourages physical activity, which is necessary for good heart health, and offers social events,” Goldberg said.