50+ Programs

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)

Keep moving with this low-impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness.  This recreational, chair-based exercise class includes range of motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level and ability.  $3 donation suggested.

Mondays & Wednesdays   ▶   9:30-10:30 a.m. 

Cardio Chair Drumming 

You become the music in this full body workout that leaves you smiling and ready for the day. Class is done seated in a chair while drumming on a big stability ball or floor. We provide everything you need. All abilities welcome, we do not go down to the floor. Instructor: Kim

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays   ▶   8:00-8:50 a.m.   ▶   Register

Senior Strength 

This senior strength class is specifically designed to cater to the fitness needs and abilities of older adults, typically aged 50 and above. The primary focus of this class is to improve and maintain overall strength, flexibility, balance, and functional mobility.  Instructor: Tessa, CPT

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶   8:30-9:30 a.m.   ▶   Register

Tap Class 

Enjoy a variety of music while you tap your troubles away! Class begins with simple technique exercises, working your body and your brain. From there, we'll learn rhythms and a combination of tap steps to favorite Broadway tunes and other music types. Bring your tap shoes. Instructor: Treva

Mondays   ▶   10-10:50 a.m.   ▶   Register

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINERS

Call the Merriam Community Center at 913-322-5550 to register.

PHYLLIS PETERSON

Energetic, fun, and knowledgeable, Phyllis can help you with your fitness quest!  With more than 30 years of experience, she specializes in core, strength, cardio training, weight management, and senior fitness. 

Tessa Pierce

Tessa started personal training in 2020. She loves living an active lifestyle, whether it be walking her dog, playing pickleball, or lifting weights. Her approach to training clients is making sure they have fun while catering to their needs to reach their fitness goals!

Maryellen Potts, Ph.D.

With more than 20 years of experience and a background in dance and correct postural alignment, Maryellen specializes in yoga and strength training. She believes fitness should improve physical functioning while being fun and habit-forming.

Package Rate for 60-Minute Sessions*

 ▶ $45 per session   ▶  $160 for 4 sessions  ▶ $280 for 8 sessions  ▶ $360 for 12 sessions 

Small Group Rates*

▶ $35/person for two people  ▶ $30/person for three people  ▶ $25/person for four people

 *Non-members are also required to buy a day pass to participate in personal or small group training sessions.

General Fitness Center Orientation

If you are new to the gym or interested in learning more about how to use the fitness equipment, we can help!  Ask any fitness attendant on duty how to safely and effectively use the strength and cardio machines.  FREE for members.

Fitness Evaluation

Receive a personal evaluation of your current fitness level.  The evaluation includes testing your cardiovascular health and strength, mobility, and flexibility levels.  You'll receive an explanation of your results and have the option to talk about creating a plan to help you reach your goals.  Dress in comfortable athletic clothing and wear closed-toe shoes.  

 $20  ▶ Call 913-322-5550 to register

Fitness Program Consultation

Work with a fitness consultant to help establish a program based on your goals.  During this one-hour visit, a fitness professional will help you identify your fitness goals, formulate a plan, and walk you through the program to ensure you're comfortable with the routine.  Contact our fitness coordinator to schedule your session. 

$45  ▶ Preregister through  email

Pickleball

Part tennis, part badminton, part ping-pong, all fun! This easy-to-learn, eye-hand coordination game is growing rapidly in popularity.  With all equipment provided, the only thing you need is a partner and a positive attitude! Maximum of 24 participants in the gym.  Must have a Punch Pass or be a member to play!

Monday, Wednesday, Fridays  ▶ 8 - 11 a.m.▶ FREE for members ▶ $20 for 10 punch pass // $40 for 20 punch pass

Picleball Kickstart

Whether you're new to the sport or looking to enhance your skills, this six-week clinic is designed to introduc you to the fundamentals of pickleball and provide a solid foundation for your game. Jois us for the entire clinic or just a few weeks. All skill sets are welcome! Instructor Geoff

Tuesdays  ▶  May 7-June 11   ▶    8:30-9:30 a.m.  ▶ Register

Tuesdays  ▶  May 7-June 11   ▶    6-7 p.m.  ▶ Register

Tuesdays  ▶ July 16-August 20   ▶   8:30-9:30 a.m.  ▶ Register

Tuesdays  ▶ July 16-August 20   ▶   6-7 p.m.  ▶ Register

Bingo

Let's all shout "BINGO!" Join us each month for a fun-filled afternoon! Snacks are provided. Prizes include gift cards and consumables. 

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  ▶  $5 collected day of event

May 9: Springtime

July 11: Beach Day

August 8: Sunflower

Slide into Summer Bingo (First Thursday)

Join us early for lunch and stay for bingo. Sandwiches, chips, and drinks are provided. We'll visit, eat and enjoy our bingo community! 

Thursday, June 6  ▶  Noon-3:30 p.m.  ▶  $7  ▶  Register

Silver Screen Matinee

Bring a friend to a FREE movie in a relaxed environment. We provide a "joke of the day", requests for future flicks are welcomed. (Movies subject to change.) Schedules are available at the front office and highlighted in the bi-monthly "Boomer Buzz" newsletter.

Wednesdays  ▶ 1 p.m.

Current Movie List(PDF, 823KB)

Lunch and Learn

Join fellow enthusiasts as you learn about fun facts and test your wit at this lunch and learn event. Enjoy games and make new friends! Enjoy games and make new friends! Register online or at the welcome desk. Bring a tasty dish to share! Instructor: Kim

Friday, July 12  ▶  12-1 p.m.  ▶  $5  ▶  Register

Popcorn & Puzzles

May is Older Americans Month, and we're celebrating the joy and wisdom of our 50+ community. Come enjoy freshly popped popcorn and refreshments while playing Sudoku, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles.

May 23  ▶  1-2:30 p.m.  ▶  Free  ▶  Register

Johnson County Nutrition Program

This meal program is offered at 11:30 a.m. each weekday. Home delivered meals are available for anyone who is unable to come to the community center. Small donation requested. The home delivered meal program is not possible without dedicated volunteers. Please call 913-677-2048 for more information about the program, make a reservation or inquire about volunteering. 

Boomer Buzz

Bimonthly Newsletter providing listings of special events, programs and classes dedicated tot he 50+ age group. Join the mailing list by completing this form.

Private and Semi-Private Lessons

Get four, 30-minute lessons tailored just for you.

$100 for private lessons, $90 for semi-private.

More information 

Walking for Health

Walking has numerous health benefits and is an excellent way to begin or enhance your fitness routine.  This program allows you a simple, affordable way to exercise at a pace that fits your level.  This program isn't instructor-led, but if you need guidance on how to begin your walking program staff will gladly provide assistance!

Monday - Friday  ▶ 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.▶ $12.50 for 20 punch pass available at the Welcome Desk 

Aqua Flow - a Taijifit experience 

Taijifit is a series of slow movements and stretches that flow into the next without pause staying in constant motion connecting mind, body and breath.  Water provides a gentle resistance and added balance. Instructor: Kim

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays  ▶ 9:50-10:40 a.m. ▶   Register

Aqua Interval Fitness 

This class combines cardio and strength training intervals using noodles and dumbbells at varying intensities. Increase stamina, strength, flexibility, and joint range of motion. Appropriate for all fitness levels; ability to swim not necessary. Water shoes or sneakers are encouraged. Instructor:Maryellen

Tuesdays  & Thursdays ▶  6-7 p.m. ▶ Register 

Cardio Splash 

This class is full of fun, energy, music, and laughs! Regardless of your age, size, or fitness level, Cardio Splash enhances your overall fitness your stability and balance in and out of the water. Instructor:Kim

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays ▶ 9-9:50 a.m. ▶ Register 

Dynamic Aqua  

With the support of float belts and the use of water weights, this class will intensify your resistance training and sculpt your muscles. Instructor: Caitlin

Saturdays ▶ 10:45-11:45 a.m. ▶ Register 

Goat Yoga

Reduce your stress and anxiety while interacting with goats! Goat yoga reduces your stress hormones while increasing hormones that trigger your happiness to help release body tension.  This class will be held at the Waterfall Park. Instructor: Portia

Sunday, May 5  ▶ 10-11 a.m.  ▶   $25 ▶  Register

Pickleball Kickstart 

Whether you're new to the sport or looking to enhance your skills, this six-week clinic is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of pickleball and provide a solid foundation for your game. Join us for the entire clinic or just a few weeks. All skill sets are welcome! Instructor: Geoff

Tuesdays, May 7-June 11  ▶ 6-7p.m.  ▶  Register

Tuesdays, July 16-August 20  ▶ 6-7p.m.  ▶  Register

Fall in Love with Your Life Again: Using a Vision Board to set Your Intentions

Self-reflect and set your goals for the year as you create a vision board. Bring your favorite photos and magazines to personalize your experience. Snacks and adult beverages are provided. Register by June 7. Instructor: Portia

Wednesday, June 12  ▶ 6-8p.m.  ▶  Register

Wellness 360: Navigating a Healthier You

This workshop series provides a comprehensive exploration of wellness, covering physical health, mental well-being, and critical evaluation of fitness in the age of social media. Light snacks are included. Instructor: Luke

Tuesday, May 7  ▶ 6:30-7:30p.m. ▶  Best Recovery Strategies for the Active Individual  ▶  Register

Tuesday, June 4  ▶ 6:30-7:30p.m. ▶  Fitness and Injury Prevention ▶  Register

Tuesday, July 2  ▶ 6:30-7:30p.m. ▶  Are Your Social Media Exercises Really Effective?  ▶  Register

Tuesday, August 6 ▶ 6:30-7:30p.m. ▶  Tech Neck: Managing Posture in the Digital Age  ▶  Register

Ladies Lego® Night

Make a Lego® flower bouquet that lasts forever! Drinks, adult beverages, and all the necessary supplies are included. Register by June 3. Instructor: Renee

Thursday, June 20  ▶ 6-8p.m. ▶   Register

Animal Allies Unite! Opportunities in Animal Rescue

Are you a compassionate critter companion and want to learn how you can help? Join us for this informational class to find out more about local animal rescue groups and unique volunteer opportunities. Instructor: Tina

Thursday, June 27  ▶ 6-7:30p.m. ▶   Register

Iyengar Chair Yoga

This is a gentler form of practicing yoga postures while sitting or standing, using a chair for support.  It's beneficial for anyone as it increases flexibility, improves strength, and reduces tension.  In addition to yoga poses and Iyengar principles, breathing techniques are also part of the practice.  All classes end with a short period of deep relaxation.  Instruction: Rafael, CIYT

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶   11-11:45 a.m.  ▶   Register

The Ki Society

You're invited to have a new experience learning the five disciplines of the Ki Society (ki-breathing, ki-meditation, aikido, kiatsu, and bell meditation). These practices are fundamental to an awareness of our natural state of being. Please wear pants and shirt that are suitable for mild exercise. Instructors: Vic (4th degree), Derrick (1st degree)

Tuesdays & Thursdays  ▶  6-8 p.m. / 5-6:30 p.m.  ▶   Register