Fitness Hours of Operation
- Monday-Friday the Texas Drive Fitness Center closes at 8:30 p.m.
- Monday-Friday the Cowan Creek Fitness Center and The Retreat Fitness close at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday the Texas Drive Fitness Center closes at 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday the Cowan Creek Fitness Center and The Retreat Fitness Center close at 3:30 p.m.
We will gradually open each fitness center one at a time as the COVID-19 numbers continue to decrease in the area.
The Texas Drive Fitness Center NEW hours of operation:
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Monday – Friday
- 7:00-8:30
- Cleaning
- 9:00-10:30
- Cleaning
- 11:00-12:30
- Cleaning
- 1:00-2:30
- Cleaning
- 3:00-4:30
- Cleaning
- 5:00-6:30
- Cleaning
- 7:00-8:30
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Saturday
- 8:00-9:30
- Cleaning
- 10:00-11:30
- Cleaning
- 12:00-1:30
- Cleaning
- 2:00-3:30
- Cleaning
- 4:00-5:30
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Sunday
- 10:00-11:30
- Cleaning
- 12:00-1:30
- Cleaning
- 2:00-3:30
- Cleaning
- 4:00-5:30
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Cowan Creek and The Retreat hours of operation.
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Monday – Friday
- 7:00-8:30
- Cleaning
- 9:00-10:30
- Cleaning
- 11:00-12:30
- Cleaning
- 1:00-2:30
- Cleaning
- 3:00-4:30
- Cleaning
- 5:00-6:30
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Saturday
- 8:00-9:30
- Cleaning
- 10:00-11:30
- Cleaning
- 12:00-1:30
- Cleaning
- 2:00-3:30
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Sunday
- 10:00-11:30
- Cleaning
- 12:00-1:30
- Cleaning
- 2:00-3:30
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UPDATE: Texas Drive Aerobic Pool and
Cowan Creek Lap Pool Closures
- The Texas Drive aerobic pool will be closed through Sunday, Feb. 28 due to the inclement weather we have experienced over the last week which caused repair delays.
- The Cowan Creek lap pool will then close from Monday, March 1 – Sunday, March 14.
The glass roof panels are being replaced due to the hail damage from the past storm. Please understand that there could be equipment delays and with inclement weather for the foreseeable future, expect the completion date to be affected by the weather delays. Updates will be provided in the weekly communicators
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Communicator Chit Chat
News and views from our fitness center staff…
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MASK MUST COMPLETELY COVER THE NOSE AND MOUTH
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It is very important that we continue to safely utilize the fitness centers and pools. Your mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times, please sanitize your hands when entering and exiting the building and help us stay clean by wiping down your machine. Thank you for doing your part to help us safely stay open. |
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Fitness Classes for February!
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Please be respectful and on time for classes. Once doors are shut and the class begins you may no longer enter the class. Thank you.
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New Classes Starting Monday, March 1
MASKS ARE REQUIRED IN ALL INDOOR CLASSES DURING THE ENTIRE CLASS
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Cowan Creek
- Chair Yoga will become Yoga on Tuesdays from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. with Ellen
Cycling is back!
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. with Marnie
- Tuesdays from 9:15 – 10 a.m. with Jan
- Thursdays from 9:15 – 10 a.m. with Leslie
The cycling classes will be held in the upstairs fitness studio, not the cycle studio.
MASKS MUST BE WORN THE ENTIRE TIME DURING CYCLING CLASS.
Texas Drive
- Vinyasa Yoga on Tuesdays from 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. with Winnie
Legacy Pavilion
- Zumba on Mondays from 1 - 1:45 p.m. with Tracey
- Gentle Breath Centered Yoga on Mondays from 2:15 – 3 p.m. with Joy
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RESERVATIONS ONLY. Reservations will open up at 7 a.m. every Tuesday for classes the following week. Masks must be worn at all times covering the nose and mouth. You may not take the mask down or off during class except to drink water. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the start time, so we can control the social distancing. Do not stand around the entrance to the studios. Follow the guidelines directed by the instructor when getting your equipment. Always check in with the fitness monitor for your class. There are limited spaces, so we ask that you limit your reservations to three classes per week. Cancellations must be made WITHIN 24 HOURS of the class you have registered for on the website (under 'My Reservations'). Thank you.
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Outdoor Fitness Classes and Aqua Fitness Classes
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RESERVATIONS ONLY. Reservations will open at 7 a.m. every Tuesday for classes scheduled the following week.
Log-in to the Sun City Website, click on Fitness then scroll down to see the reservation options. There are limited spaces, so we ask that you limit your reservations to three classes per week. Cancellations must be made WITHIN 24 HOURS of the class you have registered for on the website (under 'My Reservations'). Masks must be worn to class and after class. You may take your mask off when class begins. No masks in the pool, but they must be worn around the pool deck.
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You can purchase class tickets at any fitness center - 15 for $48; 30 for $90. These tickets are good for one year. Class ticket extensions cannot happen until after they expire. After your tickets expire, contact Beth White. She will then put them back on your account for another year.
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If you have questions about any class tickets on your account, contact Beth White at [email protected] or 512-948-7753.
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During the Aqua classes, there will be NO open swim
No open swim at the Cowan Creek Lap Pool
- Mondays from 9:15 – 10 a.m.
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:15 a.m. – noon
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – noon
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The pool is also CLOSED on Thursdays from 7 – 8 a.m. for maintenance and cleaning.
No open swim at the Texas Drive Aerobic Pool
- Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. – noon
- Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
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The pool is also CLOSED on Tuesdays from 7 – 8 a.m. for maintenance and cleaning.
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Fitness Centers Cleaning Policy
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All residents must exit the building for a 30-minute cleaning at the designated times.
Residents will then be allowed to re-enter the building until the recommended maximum capacity has been met.
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PLEASE NOTE: If the fitness center you attend has reached its capacity, you will not be allowed in until space is available within that 90 minutes. Please be considerate of one another inside the fitness centers and your fitness staff. Verbal or physical abuse is never acceptable nor will it be tolerated. Rules apply to everyone!
No entry during the 30-minute cleaning intermission.
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Five Great Core Exercises for Seniors
submitted by Mike Stuchl, Personal Trainer
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Wood Chops
Wood chops is a type of exercise that hits almost every muscle in the core. Plus, it also challenges your balance. This exercise is super simple since it’s very similar to a task most of us do on a daily basis: loading and unloading the dishwasher.
- Hold your hands together in front of you while your feet are a bit wider than your shoulders.
- Raise your arms to the left side of your head.
- Properly squat down as you do a chopping motion of your arms diagonally towards the opposite side of your body. Keep your core tight as you do so.
- Repeat the chopping motion back to the top.
- Do at least 10 reps and then switch to the other side.
Side Bends
This exercise targets your oblique muscles that are located along the sides of your trunk. These muscles assist in bending sideways and rotation of the body. Side bends are a great way to strengthen the oblique muscles improve range of motion.
- Sit on a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor.
- Put your right hand on the back of your head and the left arm outstretched to one side.
- Mimic the motion of reaching toward the floor by leaning over to your side.
- As you bend over, tighten your oblique muscles then return to initial position.
- Remember not to let your chest fall forward. As you do the exercise, keep your feet flat on the floor.
- Repeat for at least five times on every side.
Pelvic Tilts
The pelvis is located by your lower abdomen. It’s important to strengthen these muscles as it supports the torso and the pelvis. Pelvic tilts are one of the best ways to do so since it stimulates and strengthens your lower abdominals.
- Sit on a sturdy chair and keep your back straight as you put your hand on your thighs.
- Take a deep breath and then exhale as you draw your navel into the spine – hollowing your belly and tucking in your tailbone.
- Inhale deeply to release back to starting position.
- Repeat for about 10-12 times.
Chair Planks
Planks develop the muscles found deep in your core that are not easily targeted by other exercises. It’s one of the best abdominal exercises for seniors since it strengthens and stabilizes the traverse abdominal muscles. However, you would have to learn how to engage these muscles by drawing in the belly button. Plus, it also helps with posture.
- Put a sturdy chair against a wall facing you. Make sure to keep other furniture and object away from you to avoid any injury.
- As you face the chair, stand straight and place the heels of your hands on the edge of the seat – by the front legs on both corners.
- Hold that position and take a few steps back until your head, shoulders, hips and feet form a long line.
- Make sure you are comfortable with the distance between your feet and the chair, so you can hold the position comfortably while maintaining the proper position.
- Squeeze your heels together and ensure that your hands and shoulders are straightly aligned.
- Stay in this position for a 30 count or as long as you can. Concentrate on tightening your core by drawing your belly button towards the spine. Do this exercise for three to five repetitions.
Superman
The superman exercise develops your lower and upper back, as well as your glute muscles. This helps you to easily perform movements, such as bending over or sitting. It’s better for seniors to slowly ease into this exercise by lifting one arm and the opposite leg before they gradually lift both arms and legs.
- Grab a yoga mat or a regular mat for cushion. Place it flat on the floor and lie face-down.
- Place your outstretched arms in front of you and then lift the left arm together with your head and right leg. Around two inches from the floor would be good.
- As you slowly raise your leg, make sure to squeeze your glute muscles, so you alleviate the pressure you feel on your lower back and tighten your core.
- Return to starting position and repeat the process on the opposite side.
- Repeat five times on every side.
If your elderly loved one still finds this difficult, start by only lifting both arms and then gradually incorporate the legs until they can build their strength.
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Getting to Know Your
Fitness Staff
Peggy Reddick
Fitness Instructor
Gosh, what you might not know about me? I'm 85 years young!
Dick and I married 63 wonderful years ago in Norfolk County, Virginia.
I had a scholarship to attend Norfolk General School of Nursing where I obtained my RN. I was vice president and then President of The Virginia State Nursing Association during my school years.
We lived in our trailer full time for two years upon retirement. We worked (played) in our first National Park - Yellowstone at Hamilton's stores for five summers. It was a great fishing opportunity for Cutthroat Trout. The park is a wonderland for enjoying animals, hiking, fishing and experiencing nature. A great benefit for working in the park was meeting people from all over the world! Hamilton stressed treating all customers as guest in your own home.
We have lived in Sun City for 22 years. I have been an instructing Fitness Classes for 20 years. I am very appreciative that I was asked by the Fitness Center to get certified to instruct classes. It opened the opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of others as well as continuing the wellbeing of Dick and myself. I have been in remission of lung cancer for four years!
My motto:
- keep moving (exercise)
- consume nourishing food
- keep a positive attitude
- treat everyone as equal
Do these things to enhance my mind, body and spirit.
Be happy!
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As with all exercise programs, when using our exercise videos or other fitness information from our website, Facebook page or other SCTXCA social media source, please use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, please check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program or performing any fitness activity. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Do not start any fitness program without consulting your physician or health care provider. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately. SCTXCA and its agents will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm sustained as a result of any fitness program, online fitness videos or information shared on our website or other social media. This includes emails, videos and text. Thanks for your understanding, and stay safe.
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We hear people all the time say that planning is everything. There’s a point to that, especially when shopping. Just like many of us eat for comfort, we shop for comfort too. Combine these two at the grocery store, and we have the perfect storm.
Grocery stores have us figured out. They know exactly how to lure us. From shelving placement to produce arrangement, every step we take inside a grocery store leads us on a path filled with research and psychology. If we go into a grocery store hungry and we are comfort shoppers or comfort eaters to boot (guilty), we will probably spend more than necessary.
Fitness professionals say all the time that we need to be careful of the sources we read and the advice we take. There are articles out there that are not grounded in science that tell us that we should shop when we’re hungry, almost starving. They say that makes us buy so many things that we can experiment with and make new recipes.
That’s garbage.
The University of Minnesota’s School of Management conducted a study a few years ago that concluded, “Being hungry amps up your desire to acquire things” (see link below). That study isn’t just talking about food. It’s talking about any material possession we can purchase. This gets doubly scary when we couple that evidence with the treasures we can now buy at most grocery stores.
The bottom line is clear: Do not grocery shop while hungry. Not only can it sabotage our fitness goals, but it can also sabotage our wallets too.
This gets tricky, though, in this time of pandemic. Many of us are shopping online and either picking our up groceries or having them delivered. However, the same rules apply. When you sit down to do your shopping, don’t do it hungry.
We should talk about the window of opportunity that grocery stores allow us when buying online. Unless we’re doing some type of express order, we usually get a cutoff point to add groceries to the “cart”. This is where a list is important. Unless we have genuinely forgotten a vital grocery item on a thorough and disciplined list, we have no business going back and adding those lemon cookies and 7-Up cakes (yeah, I know).
A tip to try to prevent temptation is to sign out of the grocery store website and remove it from your browsing history. And do not save the password. Just like going to the grocery store takes work, we need to make ordering groceries online feel like work too.
Pick a spot to sit down with your list away from the kitchen and place your order. We are visual creatures. We can picture the food in the fridge or in the pantry and it fuels us to buy it. (I just made that up, but it is something to think about).
Something that is not made up, however, is when we say please speak to a mental health professional if you feel you are looking in the wrong spots for comfort. And as always, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program and consult a mental health professional if you feel you need to talk to somebody about any mental health condition.
From the current personal training staff: John Rutan, Don Moore, Allison Worley, Michelle Dwyer, Brendi Middleton, Mike Stuchl, Byron Goff, and Michelle Rakow. Questions about personal training? Visit our website or email John Rutan at [email protected]
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New Resident Fitness Orientation
If you are new to Sun City and need to complete your fitness center orientation, please contact Dick Jenkins by email at [email protected] or by phone at 512-948-7754.
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SUN CITY FITNESS Facebook Page
Videos and More!
Check us out and "Like" us on the Sun City Fitness Facebook page for exercise, videos and nutrition tips.
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Contact Us
Michelle Mason,
Fitness Director
Beth White,
Group Fitness Coordinator
John Rutan,
Personal Training Coordinator
512-948-7757
Dick Jenkins,
Fitness Operations Supervisor
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Fitness Centers
Weekly Attendance
Your attendance record is important in planning for space, budgeting, equipment and programming. Below are the numbers of residents who logged in February 6 - February 12:
Texas Drive - 1145
Cowan Creek - 713
The Retreat - 276
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Call our Fitness Information Lines:
Texas Drive 512-948-7750 • Cowan Creek 512-948-7780 • The Retreat 512-948-7763
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