Richard Simmons Leads the World’s Largest Senior Workout
Seniors Workout During Humana Sponsored Fitness Event
LOUISVILLE, KY - June 30, 2007 - Richard Simmons led the World’s Largest Senior Workout, organized by Humana Inc., (NYSE: HUM), on Saturday, June 30, 2007, at the Broadbent Arena in the Kentucky Exposition Center. The event, held during the 2007 National Senior Games, presented by Humana, attracted hundreds of participants, many of whom were competing Senior Olympians.
Simmons met seniors in the Olympic Village and led a procession to the Arena where he conducted a 45-minute, low impact fitness class. The workout, which was customized by Simmons for this specific event, consisted of aerobic activities and exercises. Following the workout, Simmons answered individual fitness questions, in addition to posing for pictures and signing autographs.
“Everyone knows that I’m into fitness. It’s what I do. We also know that getting and staying motivated to be physically active is hard at any age,” said Simmons. “Seeing these folks get up there exercising was such a pleasure and I’m so excited that people are this into exercise at this point in their lives. Everyone involved had a great time – myself included – and is a little healthier than they were before. Fitness and exercise are the keys to a happy, long-lasting life and the seniors who joined me today showed that, in addition to being good for you, working out can also be fun.”
The event was held during the 2007 National Senior Games to highlight the need for physical activity among seniors, as well as to show them how easy it is to exercise. Simmons designed the workout to show seniors how to incorporate easy moves into their daily routines and not feel discouraged about complicated cardiovascular exercise.
“We wanted to show people that it’s not about starting a rigorous routine, but instead, about taking it one step at a time,” said Dr. Robert Pope, medical director for Humana’s senior segment. “Richard did such as great job with this workout and we hope those that participated will incorporate some of the routine into their daily lives. It’s so important to be physically active, particularly since just a little exercise can help delay illnesses, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.”
"I taught physical education and I’ve never seen a group this size or worked out with a group this big. It was energizing," said Bonnie Mayhew of Chicago, a Senior Olympian participant and coach.
In addition to the workout, Humana developed a fitness book with low-impact exercises to help seniors jump-start their fitness. The book is available at the Humana booth during the Senior Games, can be downloaded from http://www.humana-medicare.com/fitness/, or can be ordered by calling (800)710-1601.
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