The Choose to Move program at the Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA is helping those 55-plus get active – and stay active – in Chilliwack.
The program is free, and designed for older adults who typically exercise under 150 minutes per week.
The program had an "ice-breaker" presentation on Feb. 5, and people could sign on to the full 12-week commitment of the Choose to Move program at the Y on Wednesdays at 1 p.m., with the first full session on Feb. 12.
Carol Benson-Hitch is the activity coach for the Chilliwack Choose to Move, working closely with participants to develop a custom health and fitness plan that works for them.
"I like to reassure everyone that I am there to assist," Benson-Hitch explains. "But everyone has to put in the work."
It's super flexible in that participants get to pick the types of physical activity that they enjoy, whether it's organized like Tai Chi, or yoga classes, or individual activities like gardening, and walking.
The group creates new habits, regardless of their fitness level. Everyone who registers gets an initial one-on-one session with the activity coach followed by one-hour group meetings to discuss motivation, community resources, along with some health tips and tricks.
Choose to Move is an initiative created by the Active Aging Society, developed by a research team at the University of British Columbia, with funding from B.C. government.
The group does not work out together but they do have short movement breaks during the meetings. People can use the sessions to share their struggles, while encouraging and motivating each other to keep going.
Choose to Move has sessions starting winter, fall and spring, and 2025 marks the third year the program has been running to get seniors active in Chilliwack, and across B.C.
Each week is a different topic.
"Choose to Move has the potential to change the way you live for the better," according to the online description.
Week 6 of the program is usually focused on preventing falls, but they also tackle topics like stress management, and nutrition.
"There are so many things we can do in terms of prevention," Benson-Hitch said. "It makes me excited to share with everyone."
Asked what she found surprising, the coach says it is the "close, personal connections" forged during Choose to Move sessions.
"It is a great way of getting connected with the community."
Choose to Move in Chilliwack at the Bob Chan-Kent YMCA. Program sessions start on Feb. 12 at 1 p.m.
To register by email: choosetomove.bcky@bc.ymca.ca or contact the Bob Chan-Kent YMCA, (604) 792-3371, 45844 Hocking Ave.
