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What makes DeSoto Athletic Club's Super Active Seniors (SAS) such a successful fitness program is that it is so much more than a fitness program.
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Active Seniors = Loyal Members
Leigh McNeil Every weekday morning at 9:30, participants gather for a different land-based class in the Southaven, Mississippi club's gymnasium. However, much of the program takes place outside of the gym's walls, explains SAS Team Leader Leigh McNeil. "The social aspect is a huge component of SAS." Once a month, participants take a field trip, such as to a play, a zoo, a local hospital, a bowling alley, or botanical gardens. Twice each month, game days offer some competitive fun and a chance to eat lunch together. Movie nights and a monthly potluck dinner - each with a different theme - round out the busy SAS schedule. McNeil makes a big deal about birthdays. "We have a monthly birthday lunch, and I put out a monthly newsletter that mentions them," she says. One participant recently celebrated her 84th birthday. SAS is an ongoing program, which is free to all club members, regardless of age. "It's a good place for some folks to begin even at a younger age, if they have certain medical problems or needs such as high blood pressure or overweight," explains McNeil. A SAS Committee of ten people is responsible for welcoming new participants and promoting camaraderie. "They're a very friendly, close group," notes McNeil. "But fresh faces are always made to feel welcome." McNeil, who has been with DeSoto Athletic Club for five of its six years, started out teaching water aerobics, which attracts many seniors. "I realized I loved the age group," she recalls. The former physical education teacher and personal trainer decided seniors needed some land-based programming as well, so she printed up tee-shirts and launched SAS. While the program is already a hit, McNeil has plans to make it bigger and better, in part through more community outreach. "We're going to learn new dances and perform at nursing homes and for shut-ins," she says. "We're also going to St. Jude's Hospital to donate platelets. While you do that you get to watch a movie and talk, so they'll love it!" SAS isn't just fun for seniors - it's good for business. "Because of this program, nearly every senior who walks through the doors as a prospective member ends up joining," notes McNeil, who considers herself lucky to have such a rewarding job. In fact, she says, "I feel guilty getting paid to do something that's so much fun!" Leigh McNeil can be reached at (662) 349-0403 or via e-mail to lmcneil@daclife.com. |
