Seniors enjoy benefits of CGCC Fitness Center

Phyllis Rygg is 87 and has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

Despite arthritis and hip replacement surgery, Rygg still looks forward to working out three times a week in the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Fitness Center.

A Gilbert resident, Rygg says she has been working out in the center for nine years, and plans to keep up her endorphin-inducing workouts as long as she can.

"I think it's so important for seniors to work out. It keeps me in shape, gives me more energy, and helps me sleep better," Rygg said.

"I chose the CGCC Fitness Center over other gyms because there are always fitness instructors available to help, and they all have degrees relating to exercise science or health. That was a big advantage when it came to putting together an exercise program that suited me."

CGCC fitness instructor Linda Donkelaar says that the seniors who work out in the fitness center are some of her favorite members.

"They are so enthusiastic about working out. They want to get stronger and healthier in order to maintain a good quality of life."

Fayrene Butler, 67, is a member of the Silver Sneakers Fitness Program, a national program that allows members of participating insurance companies to work out in the fitness center for free.

"I decided to join because I really wanted to get fit," Butler said. "My husband comes with me and we work out three times a week. The fitness instructors showed us how to use all of the machines and set us up on a workout program."

Seniors who don't qualify for the Silver Sneakers Program are eligible for half-price tuition, which comes out to $76 every six months (January-June 2009).

Donkelaar says that the fitness center features state-of-the-art aerobic exercise equipment, weight training machines, and free weights.

"Fitness center instructors provide members with a fitness evaluation and customized exercise program when they enroll," Donkelaar said. "We meet with members, review their medical history, check their heart rate and blood pressure, and find out their needs and goals so that we can develop a program based on what they want to accomplish."

For more information, contact the Pecos Campus Fitness Center at 480-732-7200 or the Williams Campus center at 480-988-8400.

Trish Niemann is CGCC's media relations coordinator.