It’s never to late to get and stay in shape, especially when the Somerville Council on Aging offers so many opportunities to do so.

Committing to a fitness regime is no easy task at any age. There’s always the challenge of making time in a busy schedule. Add to that the expense that may be involved for gym memberships or some classes. For many, even getting to and from the class location and finding a place to park can be enough to discourage a regular routine.

The Somerville Council on Aging’s array of affordable fitness options erase those challenges and make it very easy for the 55 and older set to exercise on a regular basis, and have fun doing it.

The COA’s Holland Street Center, near Davis Square, offers evening classes, ample parking spaces, and classes at low cost. To accommodate the needs of older adults who may work or have other daytime commitments, the COA offers three different fitness classes that meet in the late afternoon and early evening:

· Chair Yoga meets Mondays at 4:30

· Belly Dancing meets Tuesdays at 5 p.m

· Zumba Gold meets at 5:15 on Wednesdays.

All of the classes are taught by certified instructors who encourage a challenging workout that is sensitive to the needs and concerns of older adults.

The cost is $5 per class, payable by the week or in monthly installments. This minimal fee goes directly to the instructor, so participants are not paying for overhead or operational costs.

Parking at the Holland Street Center is ample and free. This allows people without a Somerville parking sticker to park near their class, saving valuable time and energy.

With the most common challenges and “excuses” erased, there is nothing to stop Somerville’s older adults from participating. Come to one class and see for yourself how easy and fun fitness can be when the traditional barriers are removed.