A Largo recreation center will offer Silver-Cycling, which lets seniors pedal with their hands.
By LORRI HELFAND
Published August 16, 2004
LARGO - Some senior citizens might not see themselves joining a spinning class, the fitness craze that turns high energy biking into an indoor sport.
But that may change with a program called Silver-Cycling, soon to be offered at Largo's Southwest recreation center.
Endorphin Corp., a Pinellas company that manufactures fitness and rehabilitation equipment, is partnering with the complex to pilot a new exercise class that uses hand cycles instead of bicycles.
The hand-powered cycles offer cardiovascular and muscular conditioning workout without putting stress on weak knees or hips.
For the program, Endorphin Corp. will give the center five hand cycles, which the center will later be able to buy. The 300 BD model cycles generally run about $800 each, but there likely will be discount packages for the center and other facilities that want to try out the program in the future, according to Endorphin executive vice president Vince Smith.
In Silver-Cycling, like a traditional spinning class, music plays in the background while an instructor leads a cycling routine.
But in Silver-Cycling, instead of cycling to rock 'n' roll or techno music, folks might spin to Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller or Dean Martin.
The partnership came about a few weeks ago. Jennifer McMahon, Southwest Complex manager, wanted to address the needs of the hundreds of seniors who visit the recreation center every week.
Endorphin, whose products are chiefly used at hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, explored recreational uses of their equipment.
After McMahon looked into buying hand cycles from Endorphin, Smith asked whether she'd be willing to offer a spinning class geared for folks in their 60s and 70s.
Michele Clark, a fitness expert who designed the program for Endorphin Corp., said the cycles can be adjusted for different levels of resistance. And pedals can be rotated forward or backward and angled to work different muscle groups.
Clark, a fitness expert with multiple certifications, teaches a variety of classes at the Family Fitness Center in Dunedin. Endorphin president Jim Doulgeris is one of her students.
Clark will not be teaching Silver-Cycling classes regularly, but she'll help train the Southwest Complex staff.
Georgene Penaska, 75, who was playing cards at the center last week, said she was intrigued by the idea of Silver-Cycling.
"I'd like to see what it is," Penaska said. "I'd like to try it."
