At age 61, working full-time out of a home office, Sharon McIntyre can become quite absorbed in her work. But she makes sure to balance it out with all sorts of activities, from regular skiing and clogging to walking outdoors and gardening.

“I work at a computer by myself and therefore I need a release, and my release is dancing, skiing and socializing with people,” she said.

In addition to being a release and a social outlet, those activities are keeping her fit. Clogging especially is like an aerobic workout, since McIntyre is one of those dancers who like to pounce energetically to the upbeat music. A serious clogger since 2000 (and on and off before that for several years), she dances as well as assists instructor Kay Velmire with a group in Belfair and another in Silverdale. Many of her fellow cloggers are over age 55.

“You can do as much or as little as you want. You can go low-impact if you want,” she said. “But people like me jump around — we have so much enthusiasm in the group, it’s contagious.”

While some people may not be enthused about a trip to the gym, people like McIntyre find all kinds of other high-energy stay fit. “Those of us who are this personality look for something to do that gets our heart rate up every day,” she said.

For those not looking for high-energy experiences, there are other fun activities besides mall-walking.

“As you’re aging, your body weakens,” said “Teenie” Spiker, who teaches tai chi at her Port Orchard studio and has many senior students. She said tai chi is very low-impact and very safe for the elderly population, but additionally, it can be modified to be performed in a chair.

“One thing that helps them, especially in the aging process, is to prevent falling. It helps strengthen their small muscles and small muscle strength helps big muscles. It benefits relaxation and helps (relieve) stress,” she said. One major benefit, she added, is the ability to build awareness of the body, which leads to better balance. “It’s such slow motion, you’re taking the time to be aware of every muscle,” she said.

With safety especially a priority for the older population, working out under the guidance of a professional is highly recommended. Janice Zabala, a personal trainer who is in charge of senior fitness programs at Silverdale Fitness, said the circuit cardio class for those 55 and older at her gym, for example, allows participants to work at their own pace and level, so it’s not like a choreographed class offered to the traditional crowd. She said the oldest member in the class is 95 and didn’t go to the gym before age 90.

“By that age, people’s bodies work differently so the exercises are designed for functional fitness… and things to increase quality of life, flexibility and range of motion versus building muscle or tone,” she said. “…For seniors, it’s all about fundamental fitness… This is a very safe way to exercise, in a group, because the instructor will watch for safety.”

Another thing that’s different about the senior classes is the social aspect. The slow pace is conducive to talking and socializing, and for many seniors, the class is a major social outlet. They even go out to lunch together once a month. Non-members can also participate in the class by purchasing a punch card.

“They’re a tight-knit group and they greet newcomers with open arms,” Zabala said.

The social experience is also a big aspect for SilverSneakers, a national program for seniors offered through some health plans and available at several Kitsap Peninsula athletic facilities. At the Gig Harbor Family YMCA, SilverSneakers activities are also available to Y members who are not covered by SilverSneakers-eligible health plan (which in Washington state includes Group Health Cooperative and AARP MedicareComplete, among others).

Susan Buell, health and wellbeing director at the Gig Harbor Y, said the program was developed based on research showing that motion range, balance and flexibility are key factors for fitness and quality of life at any age, but especially after 40. A variety of classes are offered Monday through Friday on a drop-in basis.

“A lot of people who participate notice a more rapid improvement in their physical fitness because they’re led in the activities (by trained instructors),” she said. “It’s like having a group personal trainer. We also tend to push ourselves a little more and we go out of our comfort zone more in a group setting.”

SilverSneakers members have other activities as well, including a weekly choir group, a walking group and a craft group; plus there are get-togethers to play cards and other games, and weekend activities.

“Social experience is important to have,” Buell said. “…Planning for emotional health is just as important as for physical health.”