Fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne said, “People don’t die of old age, they die of inactivity.”

Seniors in Lawrence may not strive for fitness at LaLanne’s level (he reportedly pulled a 1,000-pound boat the length of the Golden Gate Bridge, underwater, while handcuffed and shackled. When he was 61.). But there’s no reason to live a life of inactivity with the many options for fitness that are geared toward the area’s older population.

The city of Lawrence’s Park and Recreation Department has classes available through its Lifelong Recreation programming, a division that launched July 1. Gayle Sigurdson, who develops Lifelong Recreation programming, said the 50-plus programs were previously under the general recreation umbrella, but both were growing. So now many programs geared to seniors have moved into the Lifelong Recreation realm.

Nancy Colyer, of Lawrence, supports herself on a chair for a weight exercise during a senior fitness class at the Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St.

Options range from strength training to aerobics to Zumba, all geared to an older or deconditioned population. And with all exercise programs, it’s recommended that new participants check with their doctor before trying something new.

“When you’re choosing a traditional fitness program (a class or cardio exercise or using weight equipment), you should be very realistic and honest about your own ability,” Sigurdson said. “All our instructors are able to make adaptations for specific conditions.”

If you aren’t comfortable going to a class, the city also offers personal training for seniors at a reduced rate. And if you’d rather train with friends, special rates apply for training for two, three or four people.

Sigurdson recommends signing up for the Lifelong Recreation email newsletter, which provides information about all the 50-plus programs that are available. The newsletters are also available at all of the recreation centers in Lawrence.

Lawrence health clubs also offer classes and workouts geared to older adults. But the Genesis Health Club on Sixth Street doesn’t necessarily want to categorize its Silver Sneakers or Silver Splash classes as “senior.”

“Lawrence has a lot of ‘not quite’ seniors, and they are a very active bunch,” said Cristal Barnes, group fitness coordinator at Genesis. “They do a lot of movement in the (Silver Sneakers) class, but everything can be modified.”

The “land” class can be done seated, and it uses handheld weights, tubing and an agility ball that is somewhere in size between a softball and a volleyball. The class is beneficial not just for seniors but anyone who needs more support as they gain strength, such as people with knee or hip issues, Barnes said. And for those who love the water or want the protection from impact can opt for Silver Splash, a 45-minute pool class.

Body Boutique in Lawrence provides one more specific option for senior exercisers: It’s just for women.

Molly Fister, membership manager at Body Boutique, says the club offers a low-impact BodyVive class that is a safe, effective option for someone who has a limited range of motion or is new to exercise. The club also offers Gentle Yoga, which can ease the body into flexibility work. But the classes aren’t the only things available at Body Boutique, which also features training and amenities like a steam room and sauna. There is also personal training available.

“What we offer for women in the community is a free week of everything, including amenities,” Fister said. “Some seniors prefer machines, some prefer classes.”

All clubs and rec centers allow you to “test drive” a class for free. Genesis and Body Boutique allow prospective members to try the clubs, including all their amenities, for free for a week. The city allows anyone to try any class with a guest pass for free.

Regardless of how you choose to get your exercise, the benefits are proven. The National Institutes of Health reports that exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions. Exercise also helps people with high blood pressure, balance problems, or difficulty walking. So no matter what you do, the important thing is to do it, and the options in Lawrence let you find out what workout works best for you.

Michelle Tevis can be reached at 832-7255 or mtevis@ljworld.com.