SJCC is home to fitness classes and more for seniors

When it’s time to get in a full combination of socializing and exercising, Pam Feinstein splashes into the Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) Aqua Fit class at the Mercer Island facility’s swimming pool.

Geared toward seniors and adults, Feinstein has attended the class for the last 10 years or so and bonded with her fellow classmates in and out of the pool.

SJCC’s website describes the class as “a heart-pumping workout with no added impact on your joints.”

Feinstein, a past SJCC board president, noted that the rigorous class might be deceiving to some first-time participants: “A lot of people, I think, don’t recognize it like it is a workout. But we’ve had some people join, especially men, who have been quite surprised by how tiring the workout actually was. So there is a definite exercise component.”

On the friendship front, there’s a lot of chatter that occurs during the class. Feinstein jokes that the instructors probably don’t appreciate the amount of conversing among the Aqua Fitters, who are getting their fitness fill each time out.

“We are watching and we are doing the routines, but there’s a lot of talking and I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in the class, obviously. I formed a close group of friends out of it as well,” she said.

Social time continues when class is finished, said Feinstein, who added that once a month, they gather for a potluck in the J’s cafe and celebrate people’s birthdays while nibbling on food and sipping coffee.

While the pool is a popular spot for fitness, the J offers a plethora of other programs throughout the facility for seniors and adults to become immersed in a variety of issues and interests that include:

The Endless Opportunities program offers educational and social events for active adults 60 and over.

In the Rock Steady Boxing realm, “participants fight back against the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease with tough workouts, lots of laughter and true camaraderie,” according to the J site.

Roots + Resilience is a special series of programs “connecting Jewish culture and traditions to build resilience, strength and hope,” the J site notes.

Group Gatherings that include Challah bakes, a menorah making contest, Mahjong Mondays, bridge lessons, coffee and connections and more.

At a recent Endless Opportunities gathering, titled “Taste of Israel,” the J’s Director of Community Engagement Matt Lemchen noted that about 30 people attended the lunch and presentation. Mercer Island native Ellie Rudee led the event and discussed community-building and culinary arts. The trained culinary tour guide of the Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem has authored the digital cookbooks, “Tastes of Freedom: A Passover Cookbook” and “A Taste of Summer.”

An Intergenerational Hanukkah Celebration is scheduled at the J through this program at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16.

Over at Rock Steady Boxing, director Susie Rosenstein said the non-contact fitness program’s classes “have a high energy, fun vibe with lots of cardio, strength training, balance drills, movement amplitude, voice activation and many other Parkinson’s Disease-specific activities.”

Friendships are built in the Rock Steady Boxing orbit where boxers, spouses and families connect and receive mutual support. The eight-year SJCC program currently serves 45 participants and features social events, guest speakers and a partner support group.

Lemchen is honored to offer meaningful programming at the J for its daytime adult community.

“Whether it’s combating loneliness through warm social interaction, diving into personal interests like hands-on cooking classes or engaging educational workshops, or focusing on health, mobility and overall well-being, we strive to create experiences that enrich daily life,” he said. “Our wide variety of programs for active older adults is designed to meet people where they are — supporting connection, curiosity and growth at every stage. From opportunities to learn and create, to spaces that foster friendship and community, there truly is something here for everyone.”