Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” played in the background as Summer Bullock, holding dumbbells, asked the crowd, “Was everyone working out when I was gone?”
Chuckles filled the room as the senior citizens followed Bullock’s movements. One of them sarcastically replied, “Oh, sure.”
After a month-long break, the weekly Senior Strength program hosted by the Peterborough Recreation Department returned in September to the community center with 18 participants ready to sweat.
Every week, Bullock, a certified personal trainer, leads Peterborough’s oldest generations in low-impact workouts using bodyweight, dumbbells, Pilates balls and resistance bands. The exercises involve seated and standing movements, but Bullock always provides multiple options for people unable to perform the full motions.
“I want this to be available. I want seniors to move. I want them to have options,” Bullock said.
With a mix of ages ranging from 55 to 90, Bullock designs her program with everyone in mind. From cardio to stretching to lifting weights, variations are encouraged in her class.
“I think a lot of people in this class did not think they were capable of a lot of the things they’re doing now,” she said.
Bullock’s supportive comments and personalized training, along with the classic 1950-70s playlist and camaraderie, serve to motivate the crowd.
“I love my seniors. I absolutely love them,” Bullock said.
And they love her.
Claire Juengst quickly became a regular when the program launched over a year ago.
“We really enjoy it,” she said. “We really enjoy the community.”
Now, she attends each week with her husband, Ed Juengst, and looks forward to seeing her friends and Bullock.
“It’s a great class to get some exercise and for the social aspect,” Claire said.
‘Old Soul’
For almost two years, Bullock has worked independently, providing one-on-one training and semiprivate fitness classes. Most of the time, she works with clients aged 40 to 70.
Being independent allows her to rent spaces and bring programs such as Senior Strength to Peterborough.
“I’ve just always really connected with the senior population,” she said. “There’s something so inspiring about it.”
Bullock attributes her affinity for senior citizens to her great-grandparents.
“I was very grateful to have my great-grandparents. Not everyone gets that relationship, and I was very close to them, especially with my Nana Nana,” she said. “I think I’m a little bit of an old soul.”
After seeing the community she fostered in a 45-minute class, Bullock hopes to serve as a blueprint.
“They’re just so happy to be here, and I just want this to be offered for me, too, when I’m older,” she said.
For more information about Senior Strength, visit peterboroughnh.myrec.com.