ROME — Ten years ago, Joanna Johnston, a retired registered nurse, was living in Waterville and needed a fitness program to help her manage her osteoporosis and scoliosis.

That’s when her doctor recommended the Silver Sneakers program at Rome Family YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley.

“I am so happy with what I found here,” said Johnston when asked about the Rome YMCA. “That’s why my husband suggested we move to Rome to be closer to the Y.”

Johnston knows that weight-bearing, balance and strength exercises play a big role in managing and preventing osteoporosis. She regularly attends the Silver Sneakers classes and practices yoga and tai chi.

“There’s a wonderful range of fitness classes that help with range of motion, balance, strength, flexibility and toning,” Johnston explained. “But attending classes at the Rome YMCA gives me much more. As a result of the classes, I have made good friends and we spend time together outside of the Y.”

“Being social and making friends is another part of living a healthy lifestyle,” she added.

The Silver Sneakers classes are taught by certified instructor Kathy Angleton.

Angleton has been a fitness instructor at the YMCA for more than 35 years. Her experience comes through in her instruction, encouragement and motivation for participants.

“Kathy gives us the discipline and motivation we need to keep our bodies strong and mobile,” Johnston said. “A born teacher, she explains how and why we do things and focuses on the muscles we shouldn’t neglect as we get older – including our neck and eyes.”

Johnston’s regular attendance in the Rome YMCA classes has helped her manage her osteoporosis and prevent bone fractures. “Use it or lose it,” said Johnston. “That expression is so true.”

“Get Fit, Have Fun and Make Friends is the Silver Sneakers motto,” Angleton explained. “And that’s what our classes at the YMCA are all about.”

Rome Family YMCA offers these Silver Sneakers classes:

• Silver Sneakers Classic – Participants have fun and move to music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a ball are offered for resistance.

• Silver Sneakers Yoga/Enerchi – a class that moves your body through a combination of Tai Chi and a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of seated and standing postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement.

Complete information and schedules are on the Y’s website at www.ymcatrivalley.org or on the YMCA mobile app.

Several insurance companies offer a wellness benefit that can be used toward an annual membership fee.

The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley currently partners directly with the following insurance plans: Silver & Fit, Silver Sneakers, WellCare Silver Sneakers, and Renew Active (Optum Advantage) and AARP Medicare Supplement Program. For more information, please contact your health insurance provider.

For help, a YMCA welcome desk receptionist can assist with the process.