Retirees group turns
exercise into a game,
complete with prizes
AARP has turned getting fit into a game. Through Oct. 31, Shape Up Across Hawaii will be providing a framework for fitness by offering a variety of fun activities each week.
Individuals or groups of all ages and abilities challenge themselves to become more physically active by participating in a 400-mile virtual journey across the state of Hawaii.
Participants count the minutes spent being active and apply them as miles traveled in their journey.
All activity counts -- walking, running, surfing, gardening, dancing and using a wheelchair.
To sign up for the Shape Up program, log onto www.shapeuphawaii.org or, on Oahu, call 843-1906.
Registered participants who complete the program by Oct. 31 will receive a certificate of achievement and be eligible for prizes.
AARP activities can help you shape up
To sign up for the Shape Up program, log onto www.shapeuphawaii.org or pick up a "miles grid" at the Kaunoa Senior Center, 401 Alakapa Place in Paia, Maui (808-661-0159), or at the following AARP information centers:>> Oahu: 1199 Dillingham Blvd. No. A106; call 843-1906
>> Kauai: 4212-A Rice St., Lihue; call 808-246-4500
>> Big Island: Royal Kona Resort, Kailua-Kona; call 808-334-1212Some pre-registration is necessary:
Saturday: Meet at Kapiolani Park's bandstand benches for arthritis-friendly activity involving walking the park's perimeter or participating in seated exercises. Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation; 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Rated: Easy
July 26: Day on the Bay Friendship Walk takes you halfway to the peak above Camp Kokokahi for a spectacular view of the Koolaus and Kaneohe Bay. Meet at the stairs of the pedestrian overpass at 45-035 Kaneohe Bay Drive. Sponsored by YWCA of Oahu; 10 a.m. Rated: Strenuous Also, Day on the Bay Kayak Experience. Enjoy a 15-minute guided kayak experience. Bring covered shoes (reef walkers), hat and sunscreen. At Camp Kokokahi. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., first come, first served. Rated: Moderate
Aug. 2: Tennis clinic for beginners and casual players. Racquets and balls provided. At Kailua District Park, Ala Moana Beach Park, Ewa Beach Community Park and Kahala Community Park, 9 to 10 a.m. Pre-register at 955-6696, ext. 25. Rated: Moderate
Aug. 9: Perform a 15-minute warm-up followed by a walk around the park at Magic Island, 7 to 8:30 a.m. Meet on the grass at the edge of the parking lot. Rated: Easy
Aug. 14: Meet at the Waikiki Community Center for a guided walk and scavenger hunt, 8 to 10 a.m. Pre-register at 923-1802 by Aug. 6.
Aug. 16: Learn line dancing at Ala Wai Clubhouse, 9 a.m. to noon. Rated: Easy
Aug. 16: Get a full-body workout in the pool at Camp Kokokahi, 9 to 10 a.m. Pre-register at 247-2124. Rated: Easy
Aug. 23: Meet at Hawaii Nature Center for a 3-mile interpretive hike for adults and children 8 and older, 7:30 a.m. to noon. Limited to 25. Pre-register at 955-0100. Rated: Moderate Also, for age 16 and older, a 6.5-mile "Tour de Tantalus Hike," 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a sack lunch and meet at Hawaii Nature Center. Limited to 25. Pre-register at 955-0100. Rated: Strenuous
Aug. 30: Increase your flexibility, balance, coordination and strength through exercises using resistance techniques and giant rubber bands provided in class. At Kapiolani Women's Center, 1907 S. Beretania St., first-floor conference rooms, 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. Pre-register with Call-a-Nurse at 535-7000. Repeats Sept. 27 and Oct. 11. Rated: Easy
Sept. 6: Learn basic tai chi moves to improve balance and focus on lower body strengthening. At Pohai Nani Retirement Community, 45-090 Namoku St., Kaneohe, noon to 1 p.m. Pre-register at 247-6211, ext. 1107. Rated: Easy
Sept. 13: Perform a 15-minute warm-up followed by a walk around Waianae District Park, 7 to 8:30 a.m. Meet at the gym gates. Rated: Easy
Sept. 13: Is a fear of tripping causing you to be less active? Learn simple exercises to improve your balance. At Pohai Nani Retirement Community, 45-090 Namoku St., Kaneohe, noon to 1 p.m. Pre-register at 247-6211, ext. 1107. Repeats Sept. 20. Rated: Easy
Sept. 14: Make a 5K or 10K walk/run along the perimeter of Ala Moana Beach park and Magic Island, with easy, fun obstacles along the way; 7:30 a.m. Pre-register at 591-1404. Rated: Moderate
Sept. 20: Get a full body hydro-aerobics workout in the pool at YWCA of Oahu, 1040 Richards St., 2 to 3 p.m. Pre-register at 538-7061 (press 0). Rated: Easy
Sept. 20: Learn about rare plants and perhaps glimpse an endangered Hawaiian tree snail in a 4-mile hike of the Pahole Natural Area Reserve, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-register with the Hawaii Nature Center at 955-0100. Rated: Moderate
Sept. 27: Take a 5-mile hike along Kuliouou Ridge Trail, with breathtaking views from Koko Head to Honolulu, and Waimanalo to Kaloa Point, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a lunch. Pre-register with the Hawaii Nature Center at 955-0100. Rated: Strenuous
Oct. 4: Perform a 15-minute warm-up followed by a walk around Kailua District Park, 7 to 8:30 a.m. Meet at the pavilion. Rated: Easy
Oct. 18: Introduction to yoga at Central YMCA, 401 Atkinson Drive, 9 to 11 a.m. Pre-register with Charles or Shanti at 941-3344. Rated: Moderate
Oct. 18: Meet at Hawaii Nature Center for 2.5-mile Makiki Loop Trail Challenge, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Wear shoes with good tread. Limited to 20. Pre-register at 955-0100. Rated: Moderate
Oct. 25: One-hour aqua aerobics class involves water-resistance training and cardio work in shallow and deep water, noon to 1 p.m. Equipment provided. At Nuuanu YMCA swimming pool, 1441 Pali Highway. Pre-register with J.J. Bush at 536-3556 or jbush@ymcahonolulu.org. Rated: Easy
Oct. 25: Victory celebration at Blaisdell Park in Waimalu, 8 to 11:30 a.m. Turn in your grids to be eligible for door prizes. Special awards for those who attended 12 official Shape Up Across Hawaii activities. Bring your own picnic. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over.
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