Every day, hundreds of older adults gather online to sweat, meditate, and embrace wellness through Senior Planet’s fitness classes. Whether it’s starting their day more mindfully with Morning Stretch or working on their balance with Strength and Stability, Senior Planet offers a class for every health and wellness goal. 

We asked three Morning Stretch participants to share how these programs have helped reshape their health and changed their lives for the better. 

Eunice, GA:  

I am a diabetic. I also have high blood pressure as well as stage 3 kidney disease. Now what I am about to tell you will blow your mind. Since I have been taking Cas’s classes, from December of 2020 up to the present 2024, my health has improved tremendously! My A1C, has gone from a 9 to a 5.2. I used to take 1,000 mg tablets of Metformin in the morning and 1,000 mg Metformin tablets in the evening. Now, I only take one Metformin 500 mg tablet in the morning and one Metformin 500 mg tablet in the evening. My blood pressure is normal due to learning how to breathe correctly and exercise on a daily basis. My doctors have asked me to thank Cas for helping improve my health. But wait one minute! I am not through. My Kidney Specialist stated to me that she has never seen anybody’s kidney function improve the way mines have improved.   

I know that these classes have impacted my health, my mind, body and soul through teaching me how to meditate, how to strengthen my body and also how to eat healthy to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Meditation in Morning Stretch empowers your mind and the Fit Fusion classes empower your mental as well as your physical body. 

One more thing: I had heart surgery in January of this year, and it went well, which was due to me taking Cas’s class. My blood pressure was really low, and they were able to complete the procedure with no problem. I wasn’t able to participate in Cas’s class for a month after the surgery, but I still logged on and watched. Now I’m back in full swing with him.  

Cas actually teaches us how to live for life. We are living our lives to the fullest on Senior Planet! 

Prabha, PA:  

Before COVID started, my husband suddenly passed away. I was not prepared to face deep grief. Then soon after COVID started, suddenly everything got very quiet. My daughter found Senior Planet and I joined a little more than 3 years ago. Here is how my health has improved since… 

 Heart: Because of my husband’s sudden passing away I developed a racing heart and insomnia. I joined Fit Fusion my heart got calmer. My cardiologist said your heart is fine – no more heart racing and Insomnia.  

Lungs: Because of the breathing exercises and Fit Fusion my lungs are stronger and get more air. I can climb hundreds of steps without shortness of breath.

Eyes: On yearly check up my Ophthalmologist was considering giving me prescription glasses. Cas was giving eye muscles exercise twice a week. After six months my Eye Doctor was surprised that my vision had improved, he was curious what kind of Vitamin I was taking, I told him I had just started eye muscles exercise. 

Legs: Legs exercise made my legs stronger so I can walk 7 to 15 miles in a day on my vacations without pain and leg cramps!

Cas is very sincere, humble, motivational, listens to everyone very patiently. We are lucky to have him as our trainer. His approach to healing mind, body and spirit makes him a great healer. 

Phil, CA: 

In early February 2024, I received an e-mail from AARP regarding classes taught by Senior Planet. I almost deleted the message but thank goodness I read the e-mail. I was so impressed with Cas’ Morning Stretch class mainly because of his positive teaching style and his commitment to fitness and health. As Cas always says, we need to work on living not dying.  

Cas is a wonderful and effective teacher. He prepares for his classes and has a wealth of knowledge of Tai Chi, Qigong, Martial Arts, Meditation and fitness exercises. He incorporates his inspiring spiritual experiences and his commitment to family with videos that are thought provoking. And most of all, he’s inspiring. It’s all about pushing yourself. He does that lightly, and I think people appreciate that – I do. And it’s helped me a lot to have a structure. 

I just like what he stands for. He stands for taking care of yourself. 

Want to hear more? 

Hear how Morning Stretch helped participants build community online in Season 2 Episode 2: “Aging and Healthy Habits” from the Aging Rewired Podcast from Senior Planet! Segment begins at the 11:55 timestamp. To listen and subscribe to full episodes of Aging Rewired: https://cms.seniorplanet.org/podcast/ 

Watch Debbie’s video testimonial about recovering from a heart attack with the help of Senior Planet online fitness classes.

 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.