BASES, a free fitness program for older adults was launched in Mason City this past January. For the past twelve weeks, individuals have met to increase physical wellness and share fellowship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City.

BASES stands for ‘Balance-Agility-Strength-Endurance-Socialization’ and is sponsored by North Central Iowa’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

Classes were developed, with the assistance of a licensed physical therapist, to be low-impact and gradual in nature. Participants of varied mobility and fitness levels are encouraged to participate. Each exercise can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual. Classes are held twice a week and there is no cost to attend.

BASES Instructor Linda Vold shared, “The members who participated in the class were so consistent with their attendance. Through bitterly cold days and even surgeries they continued to show up! They were so grateful; the classes really meant a lot to them.”

On April 7, a new session of BASES is set to begin on NIACC’s campus. The class will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10-11 am in room 150 in the Activity Center.

A primary goal of BASES is to provide area residents with an accessible way to exercise in a more consistent way. According to the National Council on Aging, sustained exercise, even low-impact is shown to increase bone density, reduce high blood pressure and improve circulation. It also improves mood, decreases anxiety and can be a critical tool in combating loneliness and depression.

For more information, please contact Alison Mason, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator at (888)-466-4222 or alison.mason@niacc.edu

For information on RSVP of North Central Iowa, visit www.niacc.edu/rsvp or contact 1-888-466-4222 ext. 4256, (641) 422-4256 or rsvp@niacc.edu. RSVP of North Central Iowa serves the counties of Cerro Gordo, Hancock, Winnebago, and Worth responding to priority community needs by providing meaningful, purposeful volunteer opportunities for people ages 55 and over. RSVP is sponsored by North Iowa Area Community College and is partly funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, State of Iowa, United Way of North Central Iowa, and local county governments.

North Iowa Area Community College, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  NIACC welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years. Choose NIACC First.

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