The City of Chattanooga's Departments of Parks and Outdoors and Community Development will be celebrating the 29th Annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 25 as part of their observance of Older Americans Month.   The City is working with agencies in Chattanooga and Hamilton County to provide a variety of activities which promote the importance of regular physical activity and will show what local organizations are doing to improve the health of older adults.

Activities include:

• “Introduction to Walking/Hiking Poles” - 10-11 a.m.  Outdoors. Those interested will meet outside the Fitness Center. Demonstration poles will be available for use. Instructor Maureen Davis will provide a brief overview of proper technique, warm up exercises and a short walk on the Warner Park Fitness Trail to try out the equipment. Equipment is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit 12 per 30 mins.  

• “Introduction to Chair Yoga” – Noon.  Indoors. Instructor Maureen Davis will provide a 10 minute preview of Chair Yoga. Class size will be limited to 12 participants.

• “Introduction to Pickle Pong” – Grace Stewart will be available to introduce you to this simple and fun paddle game, a modified version of Pickle Ball & Ping Pong.

• Fitness Center tours – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.   Staff will be available to provide tours of the facility and to answer questions.

Additional Sites and Activities -

- Where:  Chester Frost Park
The City of Chattanooga’s Outdoor Chattanooga will be hosting their Rapid Learning Whitewater Kayak Program on Wednesday, May 25 at Chester Frost Park.  This program is open to all ages.
Rapid Learning provides formal and equipped kayak instruction for beginning and novice kayakers with the goal teach you how to safely and comfortably paddle up to class III whitewater. Our instructors have years of experience teaching and are nationally certified. 

Start any time in this year round program with the Introduction to Kayaking Skills Class.  Classes teach essential skills and safe paddling techniques in the calm waters of the lake or pool. Instruction is provided and each class builds upon the individual's skills and comfort level in a group setting with an emphasis on proper equipment and gear fit, skill-building, goal-setting and safety. Equipment is provided, or paddlers may bring their own. Skills classes and the Rapid Learning Program are most appropriate for ages eight and older. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 

- Where:  Soddy Daisy Senior Center
The Soddy Daisy Senior Center will be hosting their Seniors Line Dance Class from 9-11 a.m. at the Soddy Daisy  Senior Center at 190 Depot St.  Instructor Linda Benefield will lead participants in fun dance activities sure to get you "boot scootin."  Visitors are welcome to come observe the class as well.  For more information, call the Center at 423-332- 1702.

For questions regarding the National Senior Health and Fitness Day Celebration, contact Maureen Davis at mmdavis@chattanooga.gov.