The Center
Being the only complete, full scale, wellness focused senior center in the Midwest is something Council Bluffs Senior Center doesn’t take lightly. This 25,000 square foot facility is much more than your average gym, and it’s a far cry from what most people picture when they hear “senior center.” The Center hosts has a 92-degree lap and therapy pool, over 90 land and water fitness classes a week, and a full fitness center filled with weight and cardio machines. The Center’s café is open to all for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Members can also enjoy numerous social gatherings or keep it swinging in their full sized ballroom. The Center is a place for people aged 50 and up to exercise, socialize and prioritize their happy, healthy lifestyle.
The Center was founded as a nonprofit in 1981 and in its current location at 714 South Main Street since 2002. I met with Cati DeMasi, the executive director of The Center, and she took me on the grand tour of the facility. In addition to the open pool and fitness room, The Center offers classes for balance, strength, and condition including a specialized program for people with Parkinson’s disease as well as OsteoBall Training, yoga, Group Cycling, Better Balance – the list goes on. Fitness classes are open to all adults 18 and older, as is aqua therapy. Exercise equipment includes machines typically only found in Physical therapy offices. But it’s not all physical wellness. The Center also offers great social activities designed to keep their clientele active and entertained! Some favorites include: Photo Shop Class, Swedish Weaving, Woodworking Club, Crochet and Needlepoint and many, many more. The Center also brings in different agencies for their “Lunch and Learn” program, where members enjoy a great meal while they learn about a variety of topics from finance matters to health topics like cancer prevention. This month on November 4th, The Center will also host a special veterans luncheon to recognize all veterans within their community.
No one seems to be able to mention The Center without talking about their fantastic ballroom. One of the few full sized ballrooms in the Nebraska/ Iowa area, The Center is proud to share this facility with members and guests every Wednesday for dances with area Big Bands. Wednesday ballroom dances have been part of The center’s programming since 1981 and are still going strong! It’s open to the public and they have a great turnout each week! For ballroom dancing fans, this is a “can’t miss opportunity!”
Fun, social, active, engaged – The Center can help you guarantee that turning 50 is just the start for you.
