PLANTATION, Fla. — In South Florida, fitness is getting a fresh focus — not on speed or strength, but sharpness and strategy.
Call it cognition cardio — better known as “Ageless Grace.” It’s a workout designed to challenge the brain, as much as the body — and it’s sweeping the country.
“It was just stupid crazy. It was, like, fun,” said Barbara Malina, a longtime participant.
Simple movements quickly turn into multitasking drills — mixing numbers, sounds and gestures. Every motion carries a mental component, forcing participants to think while they also work out.
The program is found in 50 states and 34 countries — with classes all across South Florida.
Click here to find a class near you.
Many of the classes are free of charge for residents. Local 10 joined a group at the Helen B. Hoffman Library in Plantation.
“Everybody laughs all the time and everybody is nice and friendly,” said Ann, another longtime participant of the program.
For Ann, who is 86, it’s become more than just a workout and a way to socialize — it’s a family activity.
“This is my daughter. And she made me stop driving. She’s my daughter and I love her and it’s just, if I do something wrong, she’s right there to say, ‘Mom!’” Ann said, jokingly.
Her daughter, Janet, didn’t expect to join in — at least not at first.
“I thought, ‘Oh, let me sit here and watch so I could help her later, help her learn the numbers or whatever they were doing,’ and then I found out that - guess what - I need this too!” said Janet.
What starts as observation often turns into participation.
Tracey Gelb, an educator and trainer with Ageless Grace, says the program has expanded far beyond South Florida.
“It is for everybody, every age,” said Gelb. “And it’s fabulous. You’re going to have an unbelievable brain workout. You’re going to be surprised. You’re going to be challenged. It’s going to be like nothing you’ve ever done before.”
According the the program’s website, Ageless Grace activates all 5 functions of the brain:
- Strategic Planning
- Memory and Recall
- Analytical Thinking
- Creativity and Imagination
- Kinesthetic Learning
SMACK! We like to think of that as the sound of the neurons firing in the brain when we attempt to do something new.
Lana Gelb, a cognition and movement specialist and author of Everything You Need to Know About Your Brain, says the concept goes beyond traditional ideas of fitness.
For more information, visit https://goodvibesconsultants.com.
“Change your brain to change your life. People think that wellness is exercise. But it’s way more than that. I use to think that until 14 years ago,” Gelb said.
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