Unlock the Secret: How 7 Minutes of This Online Class Can Transform Your Dance, Strength, and Balance—Don’t Miss Out!

On Thursday mornings in Baton Rouge, Carolyn Johnson, 76, sets up her laptop, a chair, and dumbbells, never missing her weekly workout. Her commitment to fitness has always been a part of her life, but she emphasizes its increasing importance as she ages. “I’ve always been into fitness all of my life, and now that I’m the age I am ... it’s more important for me to be fit,” she says.

Johnson participates in AARP Louisiana’s Turn Up Thursday, a free virtual fitness class that streams live on Zoom at 10:30 a.m. CT. The 45-minute sessions are tailored for older adults, incorporating easy cardio dance moves alongside strength and balance training. Each week, she joins dozens of participants from across the country, making it feel like a personal experience despite the virtual setting.

The classes are led by Frederick Griffith, 37, a certified personal trainer from New Orleans. Griffith specializes in working with older adults, a focus he adopted in 2018 after his mother suffered a severe leg injury. When her insurance no longer covered her physical therapy, he took it upon himself to help her regain strength at home. Over six months, he witnessed her progress, noting that she improved enough to maneuver herself in and out of a vehicle. “We are like a car,” he explains. “So if you don’t start that car up, after three weeks, the battery dies.”

This analogy underscores the importance of regular physical activity for older adults, a fact supported by research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Engaging in consistent exercise can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and dementia. It also aids in strengthening bones, improving balance, and maintaining independence—the very aspects Johnson values in her weekly classes.

Johnson appreciates the low-impact format and Griffith’s approach, which encourages each participant to work at their own pace. “At my age, I don’t need to be jumping up and down,” she adds, highlighting the importance of an exercise routine that is both effective and considerate of her physical limitations.

Though the class participants are scattered across the country, Johnson feels a personal connection to Griffith, referring to him as her “personal trainer.” “That’s why I have to see him every week,” she says, emphasizing the community aspect that the virtual class fosters.

The benefits of programs like Turn Up Thursday extend beyond individual health. They promote a sense of connection among older adults, particularly important as many experience feelings of isolation. By providing accessible fitness options, organizations like AARP are addressing not only physical well-being but also mental health, fostering a supportive environment for seniors in these challenging times.

For more information about AARP’s fitness initiatives, including Turn Up Thursday, visit aarp.org/lagetmoving.