Bridgeport resident and local fitness instructor Mary Ann Renzelli has become certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Senior Fitness Specialist.

“It is a much-needed program – wonderful for clients with ongoing medical problems, and those new to resistance training – fitness, core and balance skills,” she said. “Individual assessments determine upper body strength, lower body, strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular health.”

Renzelli has implemented the program at her studio, Strength, Balance & Yoga in Clarksburg.

Seniors interested in living strong, prevent falls and improving health may want to reach out to Renzelli. “Starting Out Strength” incorporates core work, balance, fall prevention, movement and living strong.

Renzelli works with Nany Naternicola, certified group fitness instructor, senior certified, and author of the book, “Fitness: Steps to Success,” available on Amazon.

“Nancy and I are putting together a wonderful balance and beginner strength program the month of March,” Renzelli said. “Our limit is eight. I am starting to make physical therapists and some physicians aware of it.  The two of us together will be able to serve clients in a very unique way.”

Naternicola wants to stress that there are no prerequisites for the course; that anybody of any age or ability is encouraged to participate..

“So many older adults are very intimidated about exercising with other people and underestimate what they are able to do, think that they aren’t fit enough or that they need to lose weight first,” she said. “None of that matters. Take it all out of the equation.”

Through proper instruction of different exercises, injury will not occur, she said. Regardless of ability or preexisting injury, there are always modifications to movements, and many can even be done from a chair.

The goal of the course is for students to at least maintain the stability and balance they already have and hopefully improve it. The course is intended to be a four-week introduction to important movements to build muscle strength and flexibility.

The end goal is to provide encouragement and confidence to take a walk, get in and out of the car or bathtub, or up and down the stairs. It’s about improving overall energy and even sleep.

Renzelli said her studio is ideal for the program because participants can park near the door and enter without climbing stairs.

To inquire, call 304-641-6827.