Baby boomers - and those approaching their "senior" years - have put a new spin on exercise, making the subject one of the hottest programs promoted by the American Association of Retired Persons and a priority to builders of adult communities.

According to an article on CNN.com, boomers should be cautious of pushing themselves too hard, but at the same time, need to stay active to increase their quality of life. In the article the National Institute on Aging recommended that people can raise their energy levels, have better balance, reduce depression and fight disease by following a program of regular activities.

And it all comes down to getting out of the chair and moving, moving, moving.

"The hardest thing is starting an exercise program," said Vickie Cranford-Lonquich, a physician assistant at The Doctor's Office in Newhall. "I always feel like an imposter when I tell a patient to do it because I know it's a struggle."

"I tell them to find 15 minutes to walk. I know I can't ask them to find an hour, but 15 minutes is a start. You don't need any special equipment and it's easy on the joints."

Cranford-Lonquich said that many of her boomer patients are also commuters, with little time or inspiration to exercise once they get home from work.

"I tell them to find 15 minutes at lunch and 15 minutes before they get into the car," she said. "If they wait until they get home, it's not gonna happen."

Those with joint problems or nursing sore knees or hips might find aquatic exercises a little less stressful; Cranford-Lonquich said that walking in a pool provides enough resistance to give you a workout without straining the body's tender junctions.

No matter how her patients might try and convince her they're exercising, she can tell when they're fudging.

"Usually their blood pressure isn't down and their weight is the same. They're still as tired and depressed and overwhelmed as they were before," Cranford-Lonquich said. "It's a weird quirk, but when you exercise, you have more energy. There's a brightness of spirit and a change in their attitude and body."

Health clubs have picked up on the advice proffered by Cranford-Lonquich and her colleagues, tailoring their workouts to moderate exercise or promoting a circuit of short-term exercises where people move from station to station.

At Club 50, a circuit-based health club for those age 50 and over, several people worked their way around the small room, following a recorded voice that told them to move from station to station, doing some walking in place on a flexible board between each machine.

Techno-beat white noise reminiscent of '70s music plays in the background of a CD that advises those working out when to start, stop, move and measure their heart rates.

The walls were covered with various health charts, noting heart rates, body fat and muscular groups. Ads for computer consultants, skin care, chiropractors, weight management and varicose vein treatments crowded the coffee table in the waiting area.

Club 50 franchise owner Tami Lindahl, at 43 just barely a Baby Boomer herself, pulls from her multi-generational experience to focus on clients in their 40s, 50s and 60s. A former group exercise instructor at the SCV Senior Center, she has also taught water aerobics and worked with children to help them adopt active lifestyles.

"I enjoy most working with active adults," she said. "People over 40 understand the value of exercise, they want to come in and do it right."

Lindahl said that gyms aimed at the 50-ish crowd tend to offer a more rounded program, including nutritional and fitness information. She also said that circuit clubs like hers eschew the "meat market" and intimidating atmosphere of some other health clubs.

"They also like that our music isn't blasting," Lindahl said.

"The circuit works out all the different parts of the body and we meet with our people once a week to make sure they're working out right. In addition, our machines are adjustable to accommodate differing abilities, so everyone can exercise without worrying about hurting themselves."

A large percentage of the Club 50 clients are part of the Sandwich Generation; those boomers taking care of both elderly parents and their own children. For them, eking out 30 minutes is about all they can spare..

"They are at each station for 30 seconds, where they push as hard as they can. At first people don't think that's very long, but pretty soon, they can't wait to hear the (recorded) guy say to stop and move on. Most people are able to do the circuit three times during their half-hour."

Lindahl added that the circuit system is also a reminder that a good exercise program is ongoing, not something to launch in preparation for a wedding or reunion.

"Exercise is not seasonal," she said. "We brush our teeth and comb our hair every day; we should take care of our bodies throughout the year."

Stan Milander, a retired music agent who lives in Canyon Country, stepped into Lindahl's office to use a scale tucked into the corner. Clad in a pair of Raiders sweatpants, a sleeveless gray T-shirt and a sweaty headband, he smiled at the results.

"I went from 205 to 189," he said proudly. "Since I started here, I went from a 46 inch fat chest to a 42 and I had to buy a new suit. I lost three inches off my waist. And I don't like to exercise."

Milander says he mentally prepares before he arrives at the gym. "Knowing I'm coming here, I know I will accomplish something. The variety (circuit) helps because I don't get bored. I feel better after I come here."

For more information on staying fit in the boomer years, visit the AARP website at www.aarp.org. To learn more about Club 50, visit their website at www.club50fitness.com.

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