Do You Move As Well As These Local Seniors?

Inside a converted activity room at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, the women are abuzz.

Surrounded by pale yellow walls, those in the room peppered with seniors talk health and the morning's gloomy weather. Soon, they are corralled by Lynn Donofrio, an energetic woman with sandy blonde hair, for the purpose of their visit to the church near Seminole Heights.

It's time to exercise.

Twice a week for an hour, the ladies of the Life Enrichment Center take time to care for their bodies. They shuffle, lift their arms high in the air and march in place during Donofrio's senior fitness class, mixing cardio and strength training. 

The class, $40 per month or $4 per class if you attend both Tuesday and Thursday's sessions, has been taught by Donofrio for the past two years. 

Ronna Metcalf, a South Tampa resident who runs the Center, rents space from the church next door for "movement classes" due to the Center's small size.

Donofrio, who lives in Pasco County, has taught aerobics for 17 years around Tampa Bay, and spent the past two at the Center.

She says the women in her classes range from Seminole Heights to Forest Hills or South Tampa.

"We keep them moving so their cardio level is good," she said. "I try ot work on balance. Another thing I feel is huge for this community is camaraderie and communication."

Sometimes, Donofrio said, her students even motivate her.

"It makes me happy to be here," she said. "Gives me some hope for my future."