Wellness Center in New Hartford opened for senior citizens

The cold weather isn't stopping some senior citizens from keeping active this winter season. But, they aren't working out at your typical gym.

It's a center exclusively open to people who are 60 years or older.

It's for members who are looking to stay fit, but don't want to deal with the big, trendy gyms.

It being called the best-kept secret in the area for senior citizens.

But, you'll need a doctor's note to join the Wellness Center at the Presbyterian Residential Community in New Hartford.

"A lot of it is to keep up their strength for their quality of life. A lot of them have balance problems. I got Parkinson's, stroke victims. You name it and i got pretty much everything," said trainer, Maurine Farruggia... Including chronic lung patients.

"I would not have lived. I would have died in 2007," said member, Karen Keniston.

67-year-old Keniston had a double lung transplant. But, before she could undergo surgery her doctor told her she needed to get stronger. That's when she was introduced to the wellness center.

"I had my surgery done. That was six years ago and imp not on oxygen anymore and I'm living a normal life," said Keniston.

Twice a week, Karen works on the machines to stay active.

It's a similar story for George Thompson.

The Whitesboro resident says he was a smoker for 41-years and one day he couldn't breathe and ended up in the hospital.

"I'm here so I don't become a vegetable at home not being able to do anything. This program keeps me going. It keeps my oxygen level built up and it teaches me to breathe correctly," said Thompson.

Members at the wellness center says they like their gym because it's senior friendly and they can go at their own pace.

There is a fee to join the Wellness Center.

The trainer there will design a program fit for every person depending on any restrictions given by their doctor.