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Exercise & Stress Management
Stretch and Tone

This was one of our most popular classes.  The group provided an opportunity for those unable to do vigorous exercise to use their muscles to stay limber. Stretch and Tone described by Morningside Garden resident, Anne Ellis:

When more and more emphasis is being placed on the health of seniors: how they eat, sleep, and exercise both their brains and their bodies,—stop right there!—MRHS provides a terrific opportunity for the latter—a weekly exercise class in the Recreation Center of 100 La Salle (Bldg. I).

I learned of the class, led by Lucienne Yoshinaga with the able assistance of Cynthia Harris, only a few months ago—though I am told it has been around for years (while I lived in blissful and unexercised ignorance a few floors above the weekly event!).  After several months of attendance, I want to share some information about this wonderful opportunity with those who may not know about it.

The exercises are called “Stretch and Tone,” and during the hour (Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.) every bit of one’s body receives a workout, intense and gentle at the same time, so that those not in top physical condition can participate to the point their current health and fitness permit. This is important, because although a person may engage in only some of the hour’s activities, that much is still a significant plus for one’s general health and well-being.

The activities are very focused and well-organized. A great deal gets done in that brief hour.  From one’s littlest finger to one’s earlobes, to the back of one’s neck, to one’s upper arms and torso all the way down to one’s heels and toes, every inch of the body is subjected to massaging and stretching and twisting and turning so, at the end of the hour, one feels that nothing has been overlooked. At which point, Lucienne spends the last minutes of the session helping us shake out the body’s tension and encouraging everyone to “Relax! Relax, relax . . .” Suddenly one almost snoozes after the hour’s physical efforts. (During Lucienne’s summer absence an excellent cadre of volunteers is making it possible for us to continue the weekly routine.) It is significant also that this exercise program is done in conjunction with New York City’s Department of the Aging, assuring us that the exercises are professionally selected and presented.

Only one complaint: It would be wonderful if more men joined this class of twenty-five women or so—a class that was never intended to focus on just one gender. The two or three men who come seem to find the proceedings useful and enjoyable, and it would be fun (and good for their bodies!) to have more of them participate. Think about it, gentlemen. You are missing a very good deal. "