SAIL classes at OTH are popular with over-65 crowd

Odessa seniors, age 65 and older, have filled two classes that meet twice a week in Odessa's Old Town Hall from 9:30 to 10:30 and from 10:45 to 11:45 on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The groups meet separately with instructor Kelly Weber, an employee of the physical therapy department at Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center.

SAIL stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life and entails movement, stretching and strength building with the ultimate goal of preventing falls and improving overall health. Class members are encouraged to participate at a level they find comfortable. Each person has a chair that can be used for balance or in which rest can be taken as needed. Some participants start out doing the exercises while seated in the chair, while others who are more mobile stand throughout the class time. All are advised to adjust the routines to accommodate their specific levels of comfort.

This is definitely not one of those "no pain, no gain" types of exercise class. The goal is to build strength, balance and confidence by slowly improving muscle tone without undue discomfort.

The current classes are nearing their end, but Mo Sheldon, administrator at OMHC, is actively seeking a volunteer instructor willing to keep the classes going for another session or several sessions. There were so many participants in the initial class that it had to be divided into two classes. Sheldon hopes to keep it going.