Doris Bateman is 81 years old, but no one would know it. She is
the leader of a senior work-out program at the YMCA and age is not
slowing her down.
Doris Bateman is 81 years old, but no one would know it. She is the leader of a senior work-out program at the YMCA and age is not slowing her down.
The class is a non-impact program that works on stretching and movement, avoiding the more jarring aspects of high-impact activity. The goal is to improve flexibility, health and happiness.
“When we exercise, we stimulate endorphins,” said Bateman. “Endorphin is called the ‘happy pill;’ it makes you more flexible, it’s easier to walk and lengthens muscles.”
Each workout is different from the previous one. Before each class, Bateman plans out the choreography. She decides the types of stretches and movement they will do during the class. The workouts are like a dance that moves slowly and stretches the muscles.
She says the class exercises to the beat. They use chairs to help them stretch and some may use light weights to increase the workout.
While exercising may increase people’s health, Bateman says that her workout “is not a diet.” She says while fat is burned, the muscle that is built up weighs more.
John Ales has worked out with Bateman for the past five years and says he enjoys the class.
“It keeps my muscles in tone and stretchy,” said Ales. “It’s a good class and it’s a good workout. [Bateman] has a lot of vim and vigor; I’m not sure where she gets it.”
Bateman is not charged for the room by the YMCA, so the lessons are free. She currently attracts up to 30 people to the workouts. Each session is done to music from the 40s and 50s. The classes are open to anyone and are held twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. The program lasts for 45 minutes.
Aside from working out with seniors, Bateman also danced with the Fabulous Flappers. There she learned different routines and traveled around the country doing different competitions. She has since cut back her schedule, and only does the workouts at the YMCA.
Most of the people who come in have some sort of mobility problem, or is complaining of pain. Bateman attributes this to working behind a desk for many years and the workout program will help alleviate the pain.
Donna Murillo attends Bateman’s program and says she has seen results.
“I had been working for 30 years behind a desk,” said Murillo. “I was so stiff. Now I am more flexible. I would encourage someone who is not very mobile to attend the program.”
Mount Madonna YMCA, 17666 Crest Ave., 779-0208.
