It appears that regular exercise benefits everything from the head to the toe and from the inside out.  Research has well documented that regular exercise will keep us more healthy and youthful.

Exercise groups meet every week at the Senior Center, unless specified otherwise and welcome new members. Remember, check with your doctor before joining any exercise group or health club.  

Water aerobics/swimming classes are held two days per week, at Kensington Manor, 8400 Cunat Boulevard in Richmond.  Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AAFA) instructor, Tara Calabrese teaches this fun and exciting way to exercise.  For information call Amy at 815-344-3555.

Starting November 1st, the cost will be $60/3 months (must be paid “up-front”) or $22/month (payable monthly). 

The resistance exercises, stretching and low impact aerobics are done on a "do as much as you can" basis. The group includes individuals that are stroke, pulmonary and heart patients side by side with healthy seniors who are in great physical condition. If you can’t touch your toes no one seems to mind. Just come to the Senior Center and join in.

McHenry Township Residents can also participate in this Fitness Program on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at Kensington Manor, 8400 Cunat Blvd, in Richmond Township.

Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise accomplished through a series of slow and synchronized postures. Researchers have found that the long-term practice of Tai Chi has a favorable effect on the promotion of balance, mobility, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. It reduces the risk of falls in seniors. The studies also reported reduced pain, stress and anxiety in participants.

Bocce Ball is closely related to lawn bowling. The biggest difference is that bocce is played on a hard-surface court with a backstop at each end, while lawn bowling is played on grass with a relatively free-form "court".  There are very few Bocce courts in the U.S. and McHenry Township has a tournament certified Bocce court in McHenry Township Park.

Weather permitting, area seniors gather to participate in a fun outdoor bowling game in the park across the parking lot from the McHenry Township Senior Center. Teams are formed and everyone is welcome to participate. There is no charge to play. The Township provides the balls. All residents age 50 and older are welcome to join in this friendly weekly competition. 

sometimes called Soft Horseshoes, is a game in which players take turns pitching small bags filled with beans at a raised platform with a hole at the far end of the court. On Tuesdays, a group of seniors meet at the Senior Center to pitch.