It's an unlikely pairing.
Lewis Neal is a slim, 54-year-old, African-American exercise instructor in bright red pants and a black T-shirt that reads, "Shut Up and Dance." He's got a smile on his face and music in his bones.
His students are Korean. Most are a decade or two older than he, and more wear sweater vests than jazz shoes. And even if they understood every word, they might not know what to make of "Disco Duck" blaring from speakers at the front of the room.
But during the years at the Greenmount Senior Center for Koreans, over countless steps, stretches and musical notes -- as well as respectful bows and warm embraces -- their relationship has melded into something beyond the instructor and the instructed.
Neal has inspired up to 80 seniors to "cha, cha, cha, step" in near-perfect unison and smile, even giggle, and come back twice a week for five years.
He has become known on the region's senior-center circuit, passed from one director to another. But it's perhaps here where the 60-and-older set has taken to him most. These are his biggest classes, bringing dozens of women and a sprinkling of men to each class. (Neal has stiff competition from the adjoining poolroom with the gentlemen.)
Kimo Eric Nam, Greenmount's executive director, said the class is the most important service offered to his 350 members because they may not be exercising their bodies and minds at home. But bitter medicine it's not.
"They like it because they like [Neal]," he said. "He respects them. ... They all feel better."
Neal lives in Catonsville and says he splits his professional time between cutting hair and teaching dance and exercise. He learned a little Korean from his days stationed overseas by the Army and works in some words.
But most communication comes in the universal body language of hip swivels and steps in four-four time.
The first half of the hourlong class is in a chair. To music, the students follow him in stretches and pedaling from one side of their seat to the other. All levels participate, and Neal says that often students surprise themselves with their abilities.
The same is true in the second half of the class, which is line dancing. Many know the moves by heart because they come to every class, though Neal changes them every six months using his own choreography and routines learned in dance seminars.
When he spots someone just learning, he repeats the steps slowly. When he sees someone who knows, he tacks on a groove.
"Shake what your mama gave you," he tells them.
Annette Butler, manager of the Waxter Center, another in Neal's senior center schedule, said a handful of boomers -- those approaching 55 years old and still working -- went to Neal's first evening class of the year on Jan. 8. But word spread, and within two weeks at least 15 were dropping in. She's hoping for more.
Like the Greenmount director, she's concerned with what's good for her members. Though, she said, they don't seem to realize they're exercising. "He makes everyone feel included," she said.
Chin-Ok Paek, a 78-year-old Greenmount student, agrees. She says Neal is kind and respectful. Sam-Ok Lee, 80, said simply, "He's good. He makes us laugh."
And despite knees that aren't what they once were, "I come every day."
meredith.cohn@baltsun.com
Active seniors
Studies show exercise can help reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, depression and colon cancer, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 60 percent of older adults are inactive. Endurance, strength, balance and flexibility exercises are all necessary. Here are some tips for getting going:
Consult your doctor about the best type of exercise for you.
Make a plan, set goals and start slow with as little as five minutes.
Seek out classes at a senior center, videos designed for seniors or a personal trainer who specializes in working with seniors.
Warm up with light activity before exercise such as easy walking. Stretch after activity when your muscles are warm. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the temperature and activity.
Stay positive by rewarding yourself when you reach a goal and seek support from friends and family.
Drink water even if you don't feel thirsty, and take breaks. Sit if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Goals for seniors include moderate-intensity aerobic activities such as walking, dancing or aerobics class three to five days a week for 30 minutes for cardiovascular health, daily stretching for flexibility and strength and balance building with activities such as tai chi or yoga two to three days per week.
Pick activities you like and are most appropriate for your condition. Swimming and water aerobics are good for those with arthritis, for example.
If you don't want to leave the house, consider a video, gardening or climbing stairs.
[Sources: CDC, Institute on Aging, AARP]