Leave the Couch, Join Soul Steppers

The LA Soul Steppers are taking their fitness routine from the big mall to the small screen.

The AARP-backed group typically holds social walking events for older adults. Before the COVID-19 crisis, members strode briskly at 6 a.m. through the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza mall, where they did not have to deal with street traffic, uneven sidewalks or bad weather.

Now the Soul Steppers are adapting to the pandemic’s restrictions on indoor gatherings. That doesn’t mean surrendering fitness to the lure of the couch.

Steppers still work out, but instead of lapping past Macy’s and T.J. Maxx, they exercise in a virtual gathering.

Erich “Coach E” Nall puts the participants through their stepping and stretching in the safety of their own homes, via a free class available at 6 a.m. at facebook.com/aarpcalifornia. The next sessions are scheduled for Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and Dec. 15.

People of all ages and abilities are invited to join, without having to worry about staying socially distanced or wearing face masks. The workouts during the pandemic help participants avoid backsliding on physical activity, which is so important to mind and body as we age.

Go to aarp.org/LASoulSteppers to learn more and to sign up for the free workouts. —Rita Beamish