Health Watch: Age is just a number, seniors redefine fitness and community

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – When you picture a fitness class, you might imagine a room full of young, energetic participants, but at BFit and Well in Anchorage, the scene looks a little different.

The 55-and-older crowd is proving that staying active isn’t just for the young — it’s for anyone ready to prioritize their health and well-being.

On a typical Tuesday morning, the energy in the gym is palpable. Owner and fitness enthusiast Bonnie Murphy, 79, leads the charge, encouraging her senior fitness class with motivational words.

For Bonnie, this has been a passion project for nearly two decades.

“When they get confidence, all of a sudden they’re different,” Bonnie shared. “They can do things and they, like go with their family on vacations and stuff, where before they were afraid of falling or afraid of, you know, losing their balance or something.”

BFit and Well offers more than strength and balance exercises — it provides a sense of belonging, according to members. For Brian Milbrett, who joined six years ago after retiring, the gym became a haven.

“It’s a great place to go,” he said. “You’ve got really good people that you work with, and Bonnie’s excellent.”

The benefits of senior fitness extend far beyond the physical. Member Sharon Frascati notes how exercise uplifts her emotionally, particularly during Alaska’s long winters.

“It clears your mind,” Frascati explained. “If you’re stressed, if you’re depressed, if you’re — you know, in Alaska, we have the SAD [Seasonal Affective Disorder]. You know, a lot of people get that, and I think it just boosts your whole emotional and mental and physical well-being.”

Kathy Jones, a member since 2015, emphasized the importance of staying active to combat the natural effects of aging.

“We lose muscle mass and bone density and so on as we age, so anything you can do to prevent that is great,” Jones said.

From light weights to cardio circuits, Bonnie tailors the workouts to meet members where they are, ensuring safety and accessibility for all.

“At our age, things are not as flexible as they once were, and we’re more prone to injuries,” Sandi Bentz said. “If we’re not careful, we can be injured and then working out is no longer an option.

“I just love it that everything is done according to how what our abilities are,” she added.

The takeaway? It’s never too late to start moving and feeling your best.

“I don’t feel any older than I did when I started,” Bonnie said with a smile as she got ready for her next class.

BFit and Well also offers Rock Steady Boxing classes for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, further emphasizing its commitment to holistic health for all ages and an option for those looking into senior fitness.

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