May Senior Newsletter

We have had some crazy weather in the last couple months. I am ready for warmer weather. What are some of your favorite spring and summer activities? I enjoy biking and just hanging out in the sunshine.

“Move More May” Challenge

Track your  miles - walking, running or biking. Let's see how far we can travel once we add them all up at the end of the month.

Between June 1-7  tell the front desk or Lori your total miles for the month of May. Everyone that turns in miles will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to the spa.  We will announce the winner at the June social. Happy tracking!

Have you ever wondered why staying strong becomes more important as you get older? Strength training helps preserve muscle mass, bone density, and overall mobility, all of which naturally decline with age. Regular resistance exercises can reduce the risk of falls, improve balance and joint stability, and make everyday tasks like walking or lifting easier. Check out a Vitality and Strength class. 

Here are a few things that I have heard from members in the classes. 

• I can get on the floor (and get back up easily) to play with the grandkids.

• My back didn’t get sore after shoveling like it usually does.

• I can really see improvements in my balance.

• I am getting stronger. I have more energy.

• I am able to pick up my grandbabies and carry them around. I love hearing about the successes we are having. 

Exercises that improve stability:

1. Single-Leg Stand - This is the foundation of balance training. Stand on one foot, keep your core tight and posture upright. Hold for 20–60 seconds, then switch sides. To make it harder: close your eyes or stand on an unstable surface

👉 Why it works: It strengthens stabilizing muscles in your ankles, knees, and hips while training proprioception (your body’s awareness in space).

2. Heel-to-Toe Walk - Also called “tightrope walking.” Walk in a straight line placing one foot directly in front of the other. Keep your eyes forward and move slowly. Use a wall for support if needed

👉 Why it works: It improves coordination and forces your body to control side-to-side sway.

3. Single-Leg Deadlift - This adds strength + balance together. Stand on one leg and hinge forward at the hips. Extend the other leg behind you. Keep your back flat and return to standing

👉 Why it works: It trains your glutes, hamstrings, and core while challenging dynamic balance.

May Dates

🌷Mother’s Day - May 10th 

☕Senior Social - Monday May 11th, 9:00 am   Join us for coffee and conversation

🇺🇸 Memorial Day -  May 25th (212  Fitness will be closed)

Do you enjoy gardening? Flowers, veggies or herbs? What makes a container “easy” for herbs? Focus on these:

• Drainage (most important!)

• 6–8 inches depth for roots

• Sunlight access (windowsill or balcony)

• Low maintenance watering (self-watering helps a lot)

🌱Easiest herbs to start with: Basil, Mint (keep separate—it spreads!), Parsley, Chives, Thyme

Below is a bright, fresh salad that really lets spring and summer herbs shine:

🥗Recipe Corner

Lemon Herb Garden Salad

Ingredients

4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce)

1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup fresh herbs (mix of basil, parsley, mint, dill—whatever you have)

¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced

Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese, toasted nuts, avocado

🍋 Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)

Salt & black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Prep the herbs: Roughly chop larger leaves like basil and parsley; leave delicate herbs like dill whole.

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs.

Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, honey, salt, and pepper.

Toss & serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently. Add cheese or toppings if using.

💡 Tips & Variations

Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a full meal

Swap lemon for lime for a different citrus twist

Try adding strawberries or peaches for a sweet summer vibe

June Dates

Flag Day - June 14th 

Father’s Day- June 21st 

Senior Social - Monday June 22nd, 12:00 pm     Celebrate Summer! Outdoor yard games (weather permitting) 

Summer Begins - June 21st

Dad Jokes of the Day

What do you call a well-dressed lion in spring? Dandy-lion 🌼

What did one flower say to the other? “Hey bud!”

What kind of bow can’t be tied in spring? A rain-bow 🌈

FYI Changes to schedule - We will  be removing Monday and Friday Vitality & Cycle classes starting in May. We will be adding a Vitality Walk to the schedule on Fridays at 10:15am. This will be an outdoor walk, if the weather is not cooperating we will move to the Cycle Studio for a short ride. Hope you can join us. 

“Wishing you nothing but blue skies and sun drenched days”  

- Lori
Senior Coordinator