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On a snowy Monday morning, a group of London seniors arrive early for their weekly fitness class.
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A dance teacher waits for her students next to a stereo and a pile of CDs with tracks to get everyone “in shape.” She is a 93-year-old dance teacher.
Dolores Niskanen is a “demanding” fitness instructor, but during free classes offered to residents of her downtown London apartment, she tries to keep it fun for everyone, bringing out chairs for groups to exercise in. she says.
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“I believe in volunteering. I believe in giving as much to people as possible. My mother volunteered. My grandmother volunteered. It’s part of our heritage,” she said.
Niskanen, who has been battling arthritis for several years, sits in a chair and directs participants through each section of the class. “I can’t teach like I used to, but I still teach. And people still enjoy my classes, and it creates something different in their lifestyle.”
The class begins with a warm-up and concludes with upper body exercises, core exercises, leg exercises, and stretches. Each song has a different choreography.
Catherine Charlton, who is ‘over 70’, welcomes the opportunity to exercise at the start of the week, but that’s not the only good thing.
“This is a meeting place for people,” Charlton said. “This is a great asset and we are very indebted to Dolores.”
There are no breaks, but Niskanen says he doesn’t expect perfection.
“But I expect everyone to give their all, otherwise we won’t get any results,” she said.
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A dancer since the age of three, Niskanen has spent most of her life in Thunder Bay and has more than 80 years of experience as a teacher.
She advocates for an active lifestyle and has held classes for residents in her Picton Street building for more than 20 years.
“I believe in people being active. I really encourage my friends who are reaching retirement age to have some hobbies because it’s so important,” she said. “Many retirees have nothing to do and are just plain bored.”
Barb O’Sullivan, 72, has been attending the class for eight years. She said staying active has made a “huge” difference in her life.
“I came here because I had back problems, but the exercise, camaraderie and spirit of the classes meant so much to me,” she said. “It was really fun. I would have been really lost without it.”
Niskanen is aware of her age, she says.
“I know I’m 93 years old now…My philosophy is to always stay busy and have many interests,” she said. “I love being active. I don’t want it to stop. I love teaching.”
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