Exercising can’t exactly keep a person from aging, but it can make the process a lot more pleasant according to local fitness expert Janet Hunt. Fortunately, the 55-and-older set needn’t look any further than their backyard for quality fitness options.

Hunt, an American Counsel on Exercise-certified health coach and personal trainer, has been teaching classes like SeniorSneakers and SeniorSneakers FLEX in this area for the last 11 years. Designed for students of all fitness levels, the SeniorSneakers franchise combines strength training, balance and cardio in a format suited for baby boomers and beyond.

In addition to the SilverSneakers classes, Hunt specializes in training older adults one-on-one and is accepting personal training clients. Her class schedule can be found at the end of this article.

Having been in the fitness industry for more than 30 years, Hunt said that healthy aging and activity go hand in hand.

“I’m of the belief that there is probably not much exercise doesn’t help you with,” she said. “Research has shown its better for the brain than doing crossword puzzles, and it staves off numerous diseases like osteoarthritis, which affects all of us as we age.”

Hunt stresses having options, not excuses, when it comes to healthy living.

“It breaks my heart when people say they can’t exercise,” she said. “If I can convince them to come to one of my classes, they almost always tell me how much better they feel, how they can sleep better and get up and down out of the chair easier. I can go through a whole list of improvements I’ve heard over the years.”

Hunt doesn’t charge for her classes, only her personal training services.

Athens-Limestone Hospital Wellness Center

Featuring two heated pools equipped with lift chairs, state-of-the-art cardio machines, stationary weight lifting and cable equipment, a highly-trained staff of personal trainers, exercise physiologists, fitness technicians, and a slew of fitness classes, the Athens-Limestone Hospital Wellness Center is an attractive option to seniors who want it all.

Blake Lane, the director of the center, said that there is trained staff on the floor at all times who can help educate members and, if needed, assist them on and off the machines. The center offers SilverSneakers classes in addition to chair yoga and line dancing, and several water fitness classes. All of which, Lane said, are ideal for those 55 and older.

He suggests that senior clients focus on balance building, strength training for bone density and aerobic activity for heart health. If a client has a lot of joint problems, he encourages them to ride a stationary bike or take the plunge and sign up for a water fitness class.

“Exercising in water is much easier on the joints, but you still get the resistance from the water,” Lane said. “We have plenty of options for those with limited mobility.”

Diet is key to healthy living as the body ages, and nutrition requirements change over time. Registered dietitians, like Diane Magnuson, can help people reach their goals through nutrition counseling. Although Magnuson offers some free sessions to members such as diabetes awareness, there is a fee for personal nutrition counseling.

The center provides three-day guests passes so seniors can try before they buy. Membership discounts are available for those 65 and older.

For more information about the wellness center, visit their website at www.alhwc.com or call 256-233-9355.

The Athens Recreation Center

As part of Alabama’s Parks and Recreation program, the Athens Recreation Center offers a combination of free and low-fee exercise options for seniors. Classes like Strong by Zumba, Super Circuit and Karate can all be adjusted according to fitness level and cost as little as $5 per class.

For those who like to walk, the recreation center provides walkers access to the Swan Creek Greenway Trail that runs behind Athens High School or people can walk the perimeter of the recreation center’s gymnasium from 9-10 a.m., Monday-Friday.

Find more information about the center at the “Athens Recreation Center” Facebook Page or call 256-233-8740.

Limestone County Council on Aging

In addition to their weekday hot meal program and numerous socialization opportunities, the LCCOA offers seniors a free “A Matter of Balance” class. Led by the center’s programs coordinator, Madison Curnutt, seniors who take the eight-week class learn to prevent falls and how to fall in a way that minimizes injury. This active class also helps older adults get moving. Offered at different senior center locations in the county, the eight-week class takes place several times throughout the year. For more information, call 256-233-6412.

Janet Hunt’s class schedule

• SilverSneakers FLEX: Strength and Stability, First United Methodist Church, 208 Hobbs Street W., 8:30-9:15 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays;

• SilverSneakers FLEX: Strength and Stability, East Limestone Senior Center, 25820 Nick Davis Road, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays;

• SilverSneakers FLEX: Cardio and Strength, Round Island Baptist Church, 10-11 a.m., 14790 Brownsferry Road, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hunt’s classes do not involve sign-up fees or contracts. Classes are free, but donations are accepted. For more information, contact Hunt at 256-614-3530.