March 27, 2008

Senior and proud of it

AVAC’s Senior Wellness program offers more than exercise

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

A visit to Almaden Valley Athletic Club’s (AVAC) Senior Wellness program proves Abraham Lincoln’s adage, “it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.”

AVAC’s Senior Wellness Director Mary Ann Smith feels “like Julie on the Love Boat every day” as she motivates members on healthy lifestyles.

“I first came here when I had my 72nd birthday,” said Marie Bickman at AVAC’s Senior Wellness Just Enough exercise class. “It was the best thing I ever did. It’s so energizing. And Mary Ann is wonderful.”

Mary Ann Smith, AVAC Senior Wellness’ program director has helped hundreds of members ease into healthy lifestyles with development classes like Just Enough, T’ai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and personal training. Or perhaps you prefer swimming, strength training, Los Alamitos Creek trail walks or ballroom dancing. Whatever your fancy, AVAC accommodates. Smith started at AVAC 20 years ago and became involved with creating the very popular senior program, which promotes personal and social well being, six years ago.

“Mary Ann’s phenomenal,” said student Shirley Lee. “She is the best teacher in the whole world.”

Smith believes there are four keys to sticking with an exercise program: have fun, find a friend, write it down and make it important. Her suggestions include choosing an activity that is satisfying from achieving a level of competence or from simply performing the act. A support network makes one accountable to another person, plus adds the benefit of encouragement. Record your workouts—time and activity. Prioritize your exercise and have a regular training time. Smith manages to motivate each student with those creeds.

But equally important to Smith is exercising the minds of her students. Some members meet regularly with fellow member Arlene Okerund, a retired San Jose State University English Literature professor, to discuss the philosophy and meaning of Shakespeare and his plays. Other interests include genealogy searches, or a financial fitness class to answer finance questions. A recent emergency preparedness class had members discussing what they learned during a workout (always keep shoes under the bed and turn the gas off during a disaster). Other events of interest are the upcoming Scotland presentation and even a classic movie night in AVAC’s conference room.

Smith’s newsletter “Mary Ann’s Two Cents” promotes healthy lifestyles. Her recent flyer reminds members of the benefits of berries for natural antioxidants, nuts to reduce the risk of heart disease, information about oranges, which are high in fiber and Vitamin C, and that olive oil and garlic contain a high level of antioxidants. And members can use what they’ve learned at Ladies Night Out at Viva’s, a regional cooking series or at dessert night.

AVAC’s Senior Wellness Just Enough exercise class is offered several times a week offering fitness and friendship to members. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

AVAC’s senior members even vacation together. Last year a group toured France and next year they will sail from Antwerp, Belgium to Basel, Switzerland. Day trips are planned as well to the San Jose Museum of Art, San Juan Bautista, the Salinas Steinbeck and Forbes Museums and to the Kentucky Derby Day at Bay Meadows. Socializing is as important as exercising, and birthdays are celebrated on a monthly basis. And many members meet for coffee at the club after a workout session.

“I love all the members,” said Smith. “I feel like Julie on the Love Boat every day.”

Smith moved to San Jose in 1966 after traveling the world with her husband, who was in the U.S. special services. When she’s not directing AVAC’s Senior Wellness program, she teaches at West Valley College’s Physical Education Department. She lives in Almaden, and has three children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and an extraordinary amount of energy.