As I alluded to on Sunday, Wednesday was a big day for me. Way back in November I had been asked if I was interested in teaching a one-time class for George Mason University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). I jumped at the chance even though it had been a very long time since I’d been at the front of a classroom.

There were two themes in the Aging Well category that fit perfectly with what I wanted to discuss so I suggested that I combine the two into one presentation. The two categories were 1) physical fitness – general guidelines for exercise to maintain cardio and muscle fitness and 2) balance.

After much thought and consideration, I named my class “Staying Fit Through The Ages” and wrote up my class description for the spring term catalog. At that point I had a general plan and felt much more confident. Once the holidays were behind me, I starting thinking about how I wanted to present my material.

GMUOLLICatalogDescription
 

Initially I was leery of doing a Power Point presentation because I’d never done anything like that before (remember my stick figures from this presentation?). I had used Power Point to make a few flyers, gift certificates, etc., but never a full on presentation. Eventually I decided to try my hand with PP, knowing that Bill would help me if I got in a pinch. The finished product turned out great and had twenty-five slides.

GMUOLLIPresentationSlide2
 

I was pleasantly surprised at what a nice room I had when I arrived to give my presentation. With twenty-seven people registered for my class, I could tell that they wouldn’t be cramped as I had feared. My hope was that they would be able to get up and practice some of the exercises and stretches as we discussed them.

GMUOLLIRoom
 

I started by telling my students that Bill and I used to hike on the Appalachian Trail when we were in college, and then explained that this picture was taken two years ago when we ran up to McAfee Knob. My point was that we were much more fit in our fifties than our twenties.

GMUOLLIPresentationCover
 

Most of the hands in the room were raised when I asked who currently exercises regularly, and I could tell that the majority of students were interested in learning what they were doing right or wrong with their current exercise programs. They were there to learn how to enhance their training to get the most out of it.

After going over what to do prior to starting an exercise program and the few items of caution to consider, and  I covered the benefits of exercise for older adults focusing on the following areas:

1. Strength Training to Improve Muscular Strength  

2. Aerobic Exercises to Improve Cardiovascular Endurance  

3. Simple Movement to Improve Balance

4. Stretching to Improve Flexibility

5. Hydration Tips

 

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to teach this class. My students were engaged, asked lots of questions, and lingered afterward with a few more questions. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to do it again some day!

 

  • Questions:
  • In your line of business, do you use Power Point often?
  • Are presentations a part of your daily routine?
  • Are you racing this weekend? 

 

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Today I’m joining the DC Trifecta’s Friday Five Linkup with Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What?!, and Mar at Mar on the Run!  Please stop by these DC area bloggers’ blogs to say hello; and while you’re there, be sure to check out other bloggers who are also participating in the linkup.

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