Social distancing is being followed rigorously at the La Posada senior living community, but that hasn’t stopped residents from getting in their daily dose of cardio. In an effort to get seniors moving during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Rick Minichino, La Posada’s wellness director, created outdoor exercise classes in which residents can participate from their patios and balconies and from the community courtyard.

Twice-weekly classes began last week, and have drawn about 30 seniors. No weights or accessories are used.

“I’m so proud of the way our team continues to come up with creative and innovative wellness programming,” Minichino said. “While we can’t be physically close, sharing an exercise class was a great way to boost our communities’ spirit. Our top priority is the residents and their safety.”

Classes are held Tuesday and Friday mornings at different locations across the 22-acre La Posada campus on the north side of The Gardens Mall.

They last about 15 minutes, and include a warm up, stretching, weight and cardio training and music.

Minichino and Assistant Wellness Director Jennifer Hicks teach the classes with assistance from several other managers.

Residents can participate from their porches, balconies or outdoors while following social distancing protocols.

“I especially love the outdoor exercises where we can see others and wave to them,” resident Bee Cordle said. “The birds are chirping and the ducks are weaving in and around, and it’s just fabulous.”

Residents who are unable to participate in the classes have access to online videos of the same exercise classes the community offered prior to social distancing.

In addition to exercise and other programming, La Posada offers grocery delivery to its residents amid the coronavirus crisis. Associates are handling all the shopping, the community said.

La Posada also is delivering meals to residents. About 150 meals are delivered each evening. Since March 21, more than 1,650 meals have been delivered for dinner alone, the community said.

More than 300 residents live at La Posada.