Senior Strong Cross-Training

FREE Fall Fitness Frenzy

Pearce will host Fall Fitness Frenzy Thursday, September 8 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, September 9 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. This special event is free and open to the public and includes nine 30-minute group exercise classes, food, and prizes.

On Thursday, the public is invited to participate in Les Mills BODYPUMP at 4:30 p.m., Les Mills BODYFLOW at 5:00 p.m., Beginner Hip Hop at 5:30 p.m., Kick Strength at 6:00 p.m., and Yoga at 6:30 p.m. All classes will be held in the group exercise room on the second floor.

On Friday, the public is invited to participate in Power Core at 8:30 a.m., Zumba at 9:00 a.m., Step ‘N Tone at 9:30 a.m., Pilates at 10:00 a.m., and Yoga at 10:30 a.m.

Fall Adult Tap Classes

Tap class for adults 16 and over will be offered at Pearce. The ABCs of Tap class begins on Friday, September 16 and meets from noon to 1:00 p.m. Basic tap class begins on Friday, September 16 and intermediate class begins Wednesday, September 14. The basic and intermediate classes meet from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Tap shoes are required to participate. Pearce Foundation members pay only $30; members pay $40; and non-members pay $50.

Beginner Quilting Class Starts in September

Pearce will offer a beginner quilting class this fall. The class meets Tuesday, September 6, 13, and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The class is designed to help participants learn, improve techniques, and allow more experienced quilters to share the best practices they have learned. A supply list will be provided at registration. Participants need to bring their own sewing machine.

The cost for the class is $22.50 for Pearce Foundation members; $30 for Pearce members; and $37.50 for non-members.

Senior Strong Cross Training

Pearce has launched Senior Strong, a cross training program for seniors. This one-hour class will feature cross-training techniques tailored to mature adults to help them gain greater strength, endurance, and flexibility to perform everyday tasks with ease. Squats will strengthen legs which will help improve ability to climb stairs and sitting to a couch or toilet; overhead press exercises will make it easier to reach overhead to get something out of a cabinet; and stretching and mobility exercises will improve range of motion to be able to reach down and pick something up off the floor.

Senior Strong will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The cost is $37.50 per month for Foundation members, $50 per month for members; and $62.50 per month for non-members.

Toddler Tumble Time

Pearce is offering drop in toddler tumbling on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. The program is for children ages three to five. Participants will stretch, bend, balance and flex. Forward rolls, backward rolls, hand stands, and cartwheels will be learned.

The cost per class is $3.75 for Foundation members: $5 for Members; and $6.25 for non-members. Purchase a six visit punch card for $18.75 for Foundation members; $25 for Members; and $31.25 for non-members.

AARP Safe Driving Course

Pearce Community Center will host the AARP Safe Driver course on Thursday and Friday, September 15 and 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In Illinois, if an individual is 55 or older, the primary driver of a vehicle, has a good driving record, and takes a course approved by the Secretary of State, all automobile insurance companies must provide a discount on automobile insurance premiums. Participants must attend both days to receive credit from their automobile insurance company.

The course fits the needs of anyone older than 50; however, those under 50 are also invited to attend. The course is a total of eight hours offered in two four-hour sessions.

AARP membership is not required; however, AARP members pay only $15; non-members pay $20.

Advance registration is required. 

Fall Swim Lessons

Pearce will offer group swim lessons this fall to children ages six months and older. The eight-week session begins the week of September 6.

Lessons are available for three age groups. Parent/child lessons for children age six months to 35 months are offered on Mondays or Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; preschool lessons for ages three and four years are offered on Mondays or Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.; and youth lessons for children five years and older are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. or 5:15 p.m. 

The cost of the class is $33.75 for Pearce Foundation members; $45 for members; and $65 for non-members. Register for swim lessons at Pearce.

Running Club Fall Session to Begin

Pearce Running Club will kick off its 9-week fall session on Tuesday, August 30 at 5:30 p.m. Club members can choose to run on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. The Club is open to all ages and skill levels; however, children under the age of 10 must run with an adult. Weekly runs are led by Illinois Valley Striders. In inclement weather, the Club runs on Pearce’s indoor track. Foundation members pay only $60 for club membership; members $80; non-members $100.

Junior Fitness Certification

Junior Fitness Certification will be offered on Friday, September 2, from 1 to 2 pm.

Participants will learn how to use the equipment in a safe, productive manner. Additionally, they will learn fitness etiquette and rules.

After successfully completing the class and receiving certification, young members will be allowed access to the cardiovascular room and the Selectorized equipment area.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $9; members $12. Advance registration is required.

August Senior Potluck

Pearce will host the monthly senior potluck at noon on Tuesday, August 23. All seniors are invited to bring a side dish and their own table service and join in the fun. Fried chicken and drinks are provided. This month, entertainment will be provided by Mary Sherwood.

Kids Fitness Programs Registration Now Open

Pearce will offer four different fitness classes for kids as part of their six-week Kids Fitness Program.

The classes are designed for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 and will be held on the stage from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. with a 15 child maximum enrollment.

Kids Zumba with James will begin on Monday, September 12 and feature kid-friendly routines based on original Zumba® choreography. Tumbling with Priscilla will begins on Tuesday, September 13 and include cartwheels, head and hand stands, bridges, round offs, front and back walk overs. On Wednesday, September 14, Kids Strong with Rob will begin. This class allows kids to safely participate in cross-training. Finally, Yoga with Ruth will meet on Thursdays beginning September 15. The class including flexibility and balance, essential to overall health and physical fitness.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $18.75; Pearce members $25; and non-members $31.25.

July "Cooking with Kids" Extra Fun Specialty Camp Full Again This Year

The final Extra Fun Specialty Camp of the summer sold out again this year. Cooking with Kids offered kids going into grades 1-7 the opportunity to learn 

Monday through Friday, campers made breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner, and dessert. 

The kids learned how to measure dry and liquid ingredients and crack eggs. The function of each ingredient was explained as well. At the end of the week, they received a cook book of all the recipes they had made. 

Original Pearce Volunteer Dies

	Bill Allington

William "Bill" Allington died on Sunday afternoon, July 31, 2016 at his home in Chillicothe. Bill.was one of the original seniors instrumental in the transition of Pearce from a shuttered school building into the fitness and community center it is today.

Bill worked with the "I Work For Donuts" volunteer construction crew at Pearce. They did everything from taking out walls to painting projects.

Bill was the winner of the 2003 Barb Truitt Volunteer of the Year award. He also served on the Senior Board, most notably in charge of the monthly senior pot lucks. Bill always had a smile for everyone and will be sorely missed by everyone at Pearce.

It Pays to Attend Beginner Hip Hop Group Exercise Class

Beginner Hip Hop Instructor James Haywood offered a reward to his students in June: $100 CASH to the student who brought the most guests to his Throwback Thursday class on June 16.

The Throwback Thursday theme featured fitness music and outfits from the 80's, and prizes. Tiffany Rosetto brought the most guests and shared her $100 prize with her guests. 

James is always searching for new ways to make his class even more fun than it usually is. Look for more prizes from James coming in the fall.

Points Returns to Pearce

Emily Points has joined Pearce as Aquatics Coordinator, a position she previously held from 2004 to 2013. 

	Emily Points

Emily brings a significant amount of aquatics experience to Pearce. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Recreation and Parks Tourism  Administration. During her time at Western, she worked as a lifeguard and has kept her certification current. She began teaching swimming to children in 2002. 

She served as the administrator and assistant coach to the local DOC swim program from 2007 to 2016. She will bring many of her teaching and coaching techniques from DOCs to the Pearce swim lesson program.

"My immediate goals for the Pearce program are to rebuild a solid core staff through additional in-service training, offer competitive training to our young swimmers, and introduce a master's swim program for adults," says Emily.

Fall swim lessons begin September 6. 

Pep Talk

By Raquel "Rocky" Herron, Fitness Manager

"I used to be able to do 10 pull-ups, now I can barely do 3. Six months ago I was squatting 225, now I'm only squatting 175, what happened?"  

We've all heard this talk, either directly from our own mouths or from someone we know who's a gym regular.  It's tough when we have a fall from "fitness grace," but the truth is, it happens.  Our bodies and minds need breaks from time to time, not to mention that life does occasionally get in the way of our fitness goals, but it's OK and you can bounce back.  Whether it's been an intentional break, "I've just been super busy trying to survive" break, an injury, age, or other circumstance, there is no need to panic, you can get back on track and get back into your fitness groove, but it will take consistency and determination.  Here are some strategies to help you along the way.

The first step in getting back on track requires you to forget about what you used to be able to do and focus on what you can do now.  Yes, we have all had the beautiful glory days when our bodies were capable of amazing things, but over time, our bodies and priorities change.  We can also feel out of shape from a simple two month break from the gym, but the good news is that you can get back to being in good shape for where you are NOW in life.  Stop focusing on what you used to be able to do, whether 20 years ago or two months ago, and focus on the here and now.  I always tell people to look at it as an opportunity to start fresh and refocus on your goals.  

Next step, stop comparing yourself to others. It's easy to compare ourselves to others, whether it's comparing salaries or fitness capabilities.  Realize that yes, there will always be someone that is fitter than you and that's OK!  I always tell my class, it's you versus you.  When you come to a group fitness class or step onto the treadmill, it's not about anybody else, it's about you.  Maybe the girl next to you has all the time in the world to work out or the guy at the squat rack is prepping for a power-lifting competition.  The point is, you're not them and they are not you.  Workout for you, to help you feel better, to help you be a better mother, father, or employee.  

How do you get back to your best self, you ask? It's been my experience that we can't be in peak condition all the time.  There are "off" periods for everyone, whether you're a regular gym goer or a collegiate athlete.  So, if you've had a break for whatever reason, start slowly to get back into your groove.  It's easy to want to jump back into where you left off, but that may spell disaster if you're not careful.  Stay consistent!  If you want to be better at pull-ups (my nemesis) or any other exercise, then do that exercise! Commit to coming to the gym on a regular basis and follow a smart program.  If necessary, enlist the help of one of our trainers to help get you refocused and motivated again. I know it feels like we get out of shape over the weekend, but the truth is our muscles do have memory, so you'll be reaching that fitness peak before you know it!

Sometimes it's very hard to accept that we aren't as capable as we used to be, whether we're thinking about our high school athletic days or just simply six months ago.  It's natural to have fitness highs and lows throughout our lives, but we can get back to feeling and looking good.  It's important to accept your abilities and your body where you are now in life.  Stop comparing yourself to others, it'll only make you feel worse and it'll distract you from focusing on what you need to do.  Lastly, start slowly after a break and know that you might not be able to do everything you could do a couple of months ago, but with time you'll get there again.  Grab a trainer to help you if you're unsure.  We're here to help you reach your goals!  Stay the course and in no time you'll be reaching your goals! Stay fit and enjoy life!

Saturday Morning Group Exercise Rotation Schedule

Join a different group exercise instructor each Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Aerobics Studio on the second floor to participate in a rotation of classes. 

Aug 13	BODYATTACK	Stephanie Tomlinson
Aug 20	BODYPUMP	Rhya Miller
Aug 27	BODYATTACK	Raquel Herron
Sep 3	BODYPUMP	Tracy Smith
Sep 10	BODYATTACK	Stephanie Tomlinson

You're Never Too Old to Cross Train

Think you can't take advantage of cross-training because of your age? Think again. Raquel "Rocky" Herron, Fitness Manager, and Gavin Sullivan, Sports Manager and Pearce Strong instructor, have put together Senior Strong, a cross-training class designed for member age 50 plus.

This one-hour class will feature cross-training techniques tailored to mature adults to help them gain greater strength, endurance, and flexibility to perform everyday tasks with ease. Squats will strengthen legs which will help improve ability to climb stairs and sitting to a couch or toilet; overhead press exercises will make it easier to reach overhead to get something out of a cabinet; and stretching and mobility exercises will improve range of motion to be able to reach down and pick something up off the floor.

Click here to view a video that features a 70-year-old with stage 4 melanoma who cross trains.

The class is free to member 50 plus and will meet six times: August 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Registration is not required, just show up and Rocky and Gavin will help you increase your fitness level.

Birthday Parties at Pearce

We've added a new theme to our list of birthday party rentals: Bows, Braids, & Beautiful Nails that allows girls to celebrate just a few of their favorite things on their special day! Check out all of our birthday parties on our website at http://www.pearcecc.com/programs/facility-rentals-2/birthday-parties/