*Nancy Coye:69 When i saw that the palm coast community center offered Balance And Motion classes I signed up. I am a runner and keeping upright is of utmost importance to me! I went through the motions and didn't feel much different until recently I was running on an unfamiliar trail with my son and caught myself from falling when I hit a root. My son stood in amazement. I attribute it to the mind body connection Balance training has done . I plan to continue with the classes.
*Marie Abbott:69 In October of 2002 I contracted bacterial Pneumonia. I was in a coma for 2 months. I was not given a great chance for survival. Due to the severity of the sickness to my body core I had to have both feet partially amputated because they turned gangrene. One to the instep and the other to the ankle. After four months of wheelchair and bed exercise I was taking my first steps. It was such a struggle. I tried a fitness class that was being held at my church. I am so glad I did! Artie is very regimented and does the class in such a caring way. Always smiling, making me feel positive and that I am accomplishing something. He is able to help me to get my cardio up more and more. I feel secure holding onto the chair and not being made to feel disabled. Being around seniors who want to be healthy and have joy has been an inspiration to me. Thank you for caring and making a program that is so doable for everyone who cares to move and get a healthy body and mind.
*Patricia Guarino, age 67 Flexibility Training Two years ago I had a new dog to walk. I started having pain in my hips and knees from all the extra walking. My doctor ordered X-rays and said I had strained my joints and needed to do four sheets of exercises and stretches regularly. A boring prospect, but for several months I was trying to do it with only a little relief. Then I joined the BAM class. It includes all the items on those four sheets and more…and it’s not boring! So I am attending classes regularly and my aches pains are not so bad.
*Nancy Geisler. 69 years old. From the time I was a child, I have suffered with bad posture. My parents sent me to doctors, and though I followed their directions, my posture didn’t improve. When I turned 60, I started having bone scans that showed bone loss. This was a surprise to me because I have been a life-long high impact exerciser. My physical therapist looked at the results and found that the highest bone loss is in my neck bones. He said I should work on my posture because holding the head up is the primary source of pressure on the neck bones. Poor posture doesn’t force those bones to bear the weight of my head. When I joined senior fitness classes I found the program places extra emphasis on core training and upper back muscles. This has made a big difference. Strengthening my core has made my normal body position more upright, and I can feel when my posture is correct. I check every time I look in a mirror and, more and more, I find that my head is over my shoulders where it should be. Exercise programs specially tailored for seniors have positively impacted how I feel, how I breathe, and how I look! Thank you! *Ana,71 years old. Shortly after retiring to Florida from a very stressful job and moving to a small, dark apartment while waiting for our new home to be built, Covid showed up. Soon after we were under lockdown, and before you know it, I was in the hospital undergoing double stent heart surgery. It was a long road to recovery as cardio rehabilitation services were only available to severe cases due to the Covid lock down. I have fully recovered from the surgery now, but never regained the energy and stamina I used to have prior to the surgery. I joked with the family saying how glad I was to be retired since it takes a whole day to accomplished what I used to do in a half day. One day while talking to my neighbor I suggested starting a walking routine, but Carmen said she could only walk one day out of the week since she was attending Synergy Senior Fitness exercise classes a few days a week, and suggested I join her. I joined Carmen at one of Artie’s Synergy Senior Fitness classes, and never looked back. What I liked about the class was that most of the attendees were mature individuals at various levels of fitness, but Artie’s class made prevision for them all. I started my fitness classes using one-pound weights, taking 40 mg of Statins to control my cholesterol, and low energy and breathing capacity. 5 months later, I am now using 3-pound weights, taking 10 mg of Statins to control my cholesterol, and my energy and breathing capacity is almost back to pre-surgery level. And I am making my doctor happy with the results of my routine blood work. Thank you, Artie, for placing a Synergy Senior Fitness here in Flagler County.
*Patricia Nold 87 years young. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis over 20 years ago and I was prescribed Fosamax, then Actonel, and most recently Prolia. These meds kept me from getting worse but they didn't improve my bone density. Every two years for the past 20 years I would have a bone density screening and each time I was informed that there was no improvement and to stay on the medication. Well, much to my pleasant surprise, my last screening performed a few months ago showed major improvement and I was advised that I no longer needed to take any medication! I give all the credit for this remarkable result to Artie Gardella's fitness classes that I've been attending over the past year and a half. Thanks, Artie.
*Mary Dardzinski 76 Exercising…do I love it? NO! Could I watch exercise programs on TV or on social media? Yes, but most likely I would switch it off. Exercising in a group is actually fun. Not only do I feel healthier physically but also mentally. I get out and about, interact with people and make new friends. All of this really promotes a positive attitude. So find your weights and bands, come out to meet new people, exercise and SMILE.
*Diane Salerno I married an introvert. I’m active, he’s not. Getting older I’m worried we’ve become more sedentary and it’s only getting worse. Then one day my husband overheard me talking to a friend about her senior exercise class. My husband interrupted with, “Where is it? When do you go? What kind of exercise is it? Etc…..” THEN HE DECIDED TO GO! So here we are, exercising together and feeling healthier. No one told us things would get harder. I never thought I couldn’t reach the top cabinet, or pick up a pill, or even get up from the you-know-what. And yet it’s getting harder, kind of like retiring to a one story house then you visit the grandchildren and can’t make it up the stairs without stopping for a breath. Reality sets in. We’re putting it off as long as we can by exercising, moving better, and laughing at ourselves. Nothings funnier than when we bend over and groan in unison! *Julia French 70 I’ve struggled with upper body strength all my live. Since joining Synergy Senior Fitness last year I’ve noticed considerable improvement in lifting and carrying along with less shoulder pain.
*Mary Ann Jones 77 It is sometimes assumed that people of “a certain age,” whatever age that is, are senile, can no longer function, and are just waiting to die. NOT SO!! The senior exercise class is aimed toward increasing mobility and strength, improving balance, increasing range of motion of all joints, doing brain exercises to improve memory, and just having fun and camaraderie. Ever since I started coming to class 2-3 times a week, I find that my balance is better, and I no longer fear falling. I am back to gardening and feel my endurance is so much better. In general, my health has improved. My blood pressure is lower, I have lost weight and I have more stamina to participate in activities with my family.
*Nancy 81 Several years ago, a friend introduced me to Artie's Exercise Class for Seniors. I knew that exercise was very important for me, both because of my age and because I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989, at age 47. I am also aware that I am a very undisciplined exerciser and need this structured class. It has helped me maintain my strength and flexibility. Now, advance to Post-Covid.years. My husband passed away in 2022 from Parkinson's Disease. Although I continue to have a need for structured exercise, it has become even more important for emotional reasons. The sociability, the smiles and laughs lighten my spirit. Meeting new people and exercising with long time friends and acquaintances provide new and continued interests in the outside world.
*Barbara L Porter, 69. RN I am a late bloomer when it comes to exercise. I have never had a weight issue growing up and I never felt the need to diet or exercise. I never played sports and was never overly active physically. I have been attending this exercise program for less than a year. Since beginning of my journey I have lost 9 lbs. (which I hadn't been able to shed in 20 years!) I have developed muscle tone in my arms and legs, and continue to work on my core strength and balance. I am more flexible than I have ever been in my life! Recent blood work results show my triglycerides decreased from170 to 99, My HDL (good cholesterol) increased from 62 to 70, and my LDL (bad cholesterol) decreased from 29 to 17! I have a bulging cervical disc with stenosis of the C-5,6,7 level, it causes me a great deal of pain and in my neck and shoulder region. I was told a year ago to have a cervical discectomy but I have been able to put this off because my symptoms have been manageable, and I the disc stenosis has not gotten worst! I believe that thru the exercise, balance, and stretching I have done in this exercise class has helped me avoid this surgery, as least for now. This exercise program has far exceeded my expectations in so many positive ways! I look forward to going to the class and when I am not able to attend in person I can use a link to exercise at home! Thank you so much for inspiring seniors to get out and keep moving!
*Madalan 75 I've finally found a fitness program that works for me at my age of 75! I've tried a variety over the years, but I am finally seeing positive changes in my balance, strength, flexibility and even weight loss! The senior fitness class is geared towards people my age and I feel comfortable and confident being part of the professional, well-choreographed sessions. I look forward to every class. *Susan Kamberalis age 77. I have been exercising with Artie for 10+ years during which time I have had total replacements of both shoulders and both hips. I love that Artie's exercises can be adapted to accommodate whatever my limitations have been at any given time. THANKS ARTIE!
*Shirley A Olejniczak 81 I would like to thank you for your exercise class, I have been attending your class for a little more than a year. I cannot believe the difference it has made in my life. I enjoy the class so much, I actually look forward to going, and feel even better after the class. I am 81 years old and feel absolutely healthy and happy. I can walk, move, and think better, I just feel more energized. I attend twice a week and I also have your exercise CD and use that on Sunday afternoons, when it seems there is noting to do. Thanks for giving the classes and please don't stop.
*Sally Morris 78 Synergy Senior fitness has been meeting at the church I attend for many years. I saw many of my senior friends going into class weekly. I always figured it was for Seniors. Not considering myself a senior. I convinced myself, I didn't need exercise. By and by, it dawned on me that, exercise would probably be a good thing. After all, how hard can it be to? My friends were at least 20 yrs older than me and they were getting through weekly. So eventually I started participating. The first day I went, I walked out exhausted!!!!! But I got through the class and had fun! I went a couple more times, and really enjoyed the experience. I told my husband he should join me it would be good for us. That was some 4 years ago. We attend 2 times a week. The exercises have been great for us. We have made many friends! My friends who are 20 years older than me are still exercising in the class. they are now 94 and 96. That's my goal!!!!!
* Vicky B. 88 For most of my adult life I was diagnosed with osteopenia. Had the condition for many years until I joined Artie's Synergy Senior Fitness Group. I have been participating in these classes, both in person and virtually, for the last six years. Every two years it is required that I have a bone density test. The results have been in the normal range since I have been using weights, bands, and enjoying cardio routines under Artie's guidance and leadership. To quote my doctor, "You have the bones of a 50 year old." I appreciate how beneficial these classes have been to my overall well-being. P.S. I am 88 years young.
*Sharon Raffaele During the 2020 lockdown I was dealing with many of the affects. My husband was very sick in early January & before doctors knew what it was. Then in April my husband went to the hospital & needed emergency surgery & recovery with a follow up surgery & recovery 6 months later! I was not even able to visit him in the hospital. I gained 30 lbs. due to stress, inactivity, & inability to enjoy normal activities or even attend church! When I was finally able to go to I saw a notice about Artie’s class being held at the church gym twice a week! I was so happy for this answer to my prayers! Since then I have lost the 30 pounds & I’m feeling fit & healthy. I even credit this class to my ability to survive a recent heart attack & quick recovery. I bless & thank Artie for his dedication to our health & fitness!
*Lynn 75 After the encouragement and professionalism of Artie in his senior fitness classes, I have lost weight and have more flexibility. I am 75 years old and want to be flexible as I age. Experience counts and I look forward to his classes. *Susan Kamberalis age 77. I have been exercising with Artie for 10+ years during which time I have had total replacements of both shoulders and both hips. I love that Artie's exercises can be adapted to accommodate whatever my limitations have been at any given time. THANKS ARTIE!