Chair Groove classes in East Toronto are helping seniors to keep fit and be socially active

By ALAN SHACKLETON

Keeping fit is only part of the fun at the Chair Groove classes for seniors taught by Stewart Moracen in East Toronto.

The classes are specially designed for adults aged 60 and over using a “simple yet powerful tool – a chair.”

“It’s all about being active and keeping fit. Fitness is key in falls prevention and balance,” said Moracen as he taught a class recently at Centre 55 on Main Street.

A dance and fitness expert with decades of experience, Moracen also teaches a Chair Groove gentle fitness class for seniors at the Creswell Dance Academy on Kingston Road near Henley Gardens.

Using a chair provides support for the seniors taking the classes and allows them to take part in a fitness regime that they might not otherwise have been able to do.

“With a thoughtful focus on posture, balance and gentle movement, Chair Groove leaves participants feeling refreshed and energized,” said Moracen in a news release.

“Set to upbeat, carefully selected music, the class brings joy back into movement, often rekindling a love of dance and rhythm.”

The participants at the recent class visited by Beach Metro Community News at Centre 55 certainly seemed to be enjoying both the exercises and the social aspects of the class.

Mel, who is 98, said getting regular exercise and maintaining social contacts with others is a key to thriving and surviving for seniors.

He spoke about a good friend of his who did not exercise or stay fit and died at a younger age than he needed to. “He was not exercising and he unfortunately died and I think it was because of that,” said Mel.

“Exercise is so important and everybody knows that, but in aging it is key.”

Mel, who combines the regular exercise he gets from the Chair Groove classes with good nutrition, said he’s fit and enjoying his life at age 98.

“I don’t feel my age. I’m taking each day as it comes,” he said. “There’s no anxiety. I combine good eating and good nutrition, but without the exercise it would be miserable.”

Mel said he also highly values the social aspect of the Chair Groove classes.

“It’s a kind of community we have here. We see each other and say hello, and it’s nice to have extra friends. It’s a good balance in your life,” he said.

“We’re getting to be sociable and keeping fit. You can’t beat it.”

Another participant in the Chair Groove session at Centre 55, Maureen, said the group is thankful to Moracen for the work he does and the way he conducts the classes for them.

“I find it so welcoming and that’s because he is joyful, friendly and welcoming and also incredibly capable … He knows what our bodies need. He’s truly looking out for us and cares for our lives and our well being,” she said to applause from the class members.

For more information on the Chair Groove classes and other fitness and dance classes for seniors at both Centre 55 and Creswell Dance Academy, please contact Moracen by email at stewart.moracen@gmail.com or call 647-856-5377.