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16 - SENIOR Health Fair - September 26, 2018 By Karen Rice The Weekly Vista Men and women may begin to feel less flexible as they get older. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, that loss of flexibility is caused by muscles losing both strength and elas- ticity as the body ages. A lack of flexi- bility can make people more vulnerable to certain types of injuries, including muscle strains and tears. While people might not be able to maintain the flexibility they enjoyed in their twenties, there are ways to combat age-related loss of flexibility. Stretching is one of those ways. That's not news to Cindee Johnson, owner of Essentrics studio in Bella Vista. "As we age, our muscles atrophy and the cells die," Cindee said. "Through proper, intelligent movement that simul- taneously stretches and strengthens the muscles, we can slow down and reverse the aging process." Essentrics, also known as "Classical Stretch," is a unique stretching-in-mo- tion program that Cindee says is distilled from Tai Chi, ballet and physiotherapy, and uses all 650 muscles and 350 joints in either a 30 or 60 minute workout. "Essentrics leaves you toned, pain- free, balanced, and energized," Cindee explained. "It helps change posture, and even strengthens the connections between body and brain. Cindee offers the first class for free and is having an introductory Essen- trics Workshop on Saturday, September 29th, 1-4 pm. Her studio is located at 701 McNelly Road #19. For more information visit her website at www.cindeejohnson. com Yoga and swimming can also be great ways for men and women to increase flexibility, reduce pain and help prevent injuries. Designed to promote physical and mental health, yoga has helped millions of people across the globe control their stress and improve their flexibility, and studies have shown that yoga is only growing in popularity. According to a study conducted by the Harris Interac- tive Service Bureau, roughly 20 million Americans practiced yoga in 2012, marking a 29 percent increase from just four years earlier. While some men and women over 50 may feel their time to take up yoga has passed, nothing could be further from the truth. Practitioners of yoga typically love how this unique disci- pline that exercises the body while relax- ing the mind improves their flexibility. Beginners may want to visit yoga studios or sign up for classes at their gyms so instructors can personally ensure they are doing each pose correctly. There are yoga classes available nearly every day at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista. Swimming is another activity that can help aging men and women improve their flexibility. Strength-training exer- cises are an important component of a well-balanced exercise regimen, but such workouts tend to focus on one or two muscle groups at a time. That means other muscle groups may be inactive and tighten up as a result. Swimming works the entire body, which helps all muscle groups stay loose and flexible. One or two swimming sessions per week can contribute to great gains in overall flex- ibility, especially for men and women who remember to stretch when they get out of the pool. Check out the indoor pool hours at Branchwood Recreation Center, which just reopened this week. Maintaining flexibility is an important aspect of a healthy and pain-free life. It's never too late to increase your flexibility. Please consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Staying flexible as you age Cindee Johnson, Essentrics Studio owner Combat the natural loss of flexibility with exercise