The SMART exercise class showed off their Canadian pride to coincide with Canada’s upcoming 150th celebrations during their June 5 Level 2 exercise class at the Plex in Port Elgin.

Hub Staff

A taste of Canadiana with a side of healthy living was flaunted inside Rotary Hall at the Plex during the VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together (SMART) exercise class June 5.

The VON has regular weekly classes at the Plex, Kingsway Arms at Elgin Lodge as well as Hampton Court Retirement Lodge, with the Plex location currently being the sole Level 2 class in Saugeen Shores. A Level 2 class is expected to get underway in Southampton in July.

Local instructors who have volunteered their time over the past eight years to create the classes are Cheryl Kryzaniwsky, Gail McCormick and Sid Gordon, who also participated with patriotic flare during the Level 2 class.

“It’s a terrific way to interact with seniors in our community and the participants love it,” said Kryszaniwsky.

VON SMART Exercise and Falls Prevention Program Coordinator, David Schembri, said that VON has 1,200 participants attending 52 classes across Grey and Bruce counties. The classes are for people 55 plus and Schembri said there is a difference between the two levels with Level 2 being a higher level with more gait focus. "There is more walking around the room, being upright and walking for 45 to 60 minutes for the whole class," he said. "Level 1 is a seated exercise program, same components but in a seated position.” Schembri said that the programs are “free across the board” but one must contact the VON before they plan to attend to meet with an intake coordinator.

For more information, call 519-371-5331.

From Stompin Tom Connors to the Tragically Hip, the feet met the beat during the VON’s SMART exercise class June 5.

Instructors Gail McCormick (left) and Cheryl Kryzaniwsky were having a great time teaching the class June 5. Not pictured is Syd Gordan who was also all smiles.

Plenty of cardiovascular movements were made during the June 5 class at the Plex.