WESTFIELD-While many city residents have taken to the streets to walk, run, and jog in the great outdoors, there still might be residents who have trepidation about being outside around people.
This month on the Westfield community programming Channel 15, Dr. Gary M. Gorman, chiropractic physician, will lead a 30-minute movement session titled “Let’s Quit Sitting,” while Teri Somers, a certified group exercise instructor and a certified LiveStrong instructor, will lead a program on “Chair Yoga.”
Both programs will air several times during the month on Channel 15.
Gorman said he decided to offer this program because many residents are sheltering in place due to the pandemic and have become “very inactive with limited options to exercise.”
Dr. Gary M. Gorman, chiropractic physician, is leading a program this month titled “Let’s Quit Sitting” on Westfield’s public programming Channel 15. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Gorman’s wife, Tina, who serves as the executive director of the Westfield Council on Aging, was instrumental in setting up the logistics of the program, and their daughter Grace performs the exercises that Gorman narrates.
“When I asked Grace if she would be willing to help she said OK,” said Gorman, adding, “no arm twisting.”
When they had finished the shoot, both noted how much “fun it was actually to do” and would welcome creating an active/interactive class where viewers follow along through a series of exercises.
Gorman’s program, airing at 1 p.m. on May 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27, will concentrate on stretching, balance, and strength exercises. The low-impact session suggests participants use either a chair or counter, doorway, a wall, and also have handy a couple cans of soup, fruit or vegetables.
“Sitting for long periods of time can be especially tempting as we hunker down right now,” said Gorman, adding the slogan “sitting is the new smoking” is a reminder to all that sitting has become as harmful as smoking.
“Researchers have discovered that those who sit for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity have a risk of dying similar to the ill effects of both diabetes and smoking,” said Gorman.
Gorman offers several simple lifestyle changes to reduce the health risks of excessive sitting, including taking a break from sitting every 30 minutes, getting up and moving around during every commercial when watching television, and standing while talking on the telephone at work or at home.
“As a chiropractic physician our profession has known for many years the microtrauma that sitting causes to the musculoskeletal system leading to neck pain, back pain and tension headaches just to name a few conditions,” said Gorman.
Gorman noted our bodies are designed to move and stay active and when we don’t incorporate regular physical activity into our daily routines, the conditions he mentions have a “greater risk” of developing.
“The Channel 15 session is a very easy, low-tech series of stretching and strengthening exercises that can be performed right in your home with the resources you have available to you,” said Gorman, adding the exercises can be tailored and modified for individuals of all ages and capabilities.
“Safety is first and foremost and I stress safety throughout the program,” said Gorman. “If someone feels uncomfortable they should not do a particular exercise. If they have co-morbidities or are on certain medications which may cause balance or dizziness issues then they should check with their primary care physician first.”
Gorman noted that we are often “creatures of habit.”
“Making a few simple changes in our daily routine can prove to be extremely beneficial to our health and well-being for the future,” he said.
For persons of all ages who have wondered about trying chair yoga, Somers will lead a class at 2 p.m. on May 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28.
Teri Somers leads a “Chair Yoga” program this month on Westfield’s public programming Channel 15. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“Chair Yoga is a great place for anyone in their fitness journey as just about anyone can do it,” said Somers. “All you need is a sturdy chair and a willingness to be adventurous.”
Somers stressed she always encourages participants to work to their own ability and “if it hurts, don’t do it.”
Somers noted that participants will be instructed through gentle and fluid movements to work within the activities of daily living.
“Chair Yoga allows people to strengthen, stretch and increase mobility with gentle moves regardless of your fitness level,” said Somers. “Participants will be instructed on increasing lever length and body alignment to intensify the exercises.”
Somers works at the YMCA of Greater Westfield and teaches a variety of classes including Active Older Adult, Pool Fitness, Poolates, and Chair Yoga. She also collaborates with Westfield Senior Center staff to offer Tai Chi, Chair Yoga and strength movement classes.
“We are proud to partner with the senior center,” said Andrea Allard, CEO, YMCA of Greater Westfield. “They have done a phenomenal job of taking care of our city’s seniors. Tina Gorman and her staff are to be commended for the work they have done and their commitment to the health and well-being of seniors.”
Somers concurred.
“City residents should take a look at this sample of Chair Yoga, if for no other reason, then to try something out of their comfort zone,” added Somers. “I’ve never done a workout video and thought what better time than during a pandemic to try something out of my comfort zone.”
