El Paso Launches Free Fitness Programs for 60+ Residents

The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department began offering free group fitness classes for seniors on June 15 at two fixed locations across the city.

El Paso’s senior population has grown steadily, with more residents seeking structured ways to stay active during the hottest months when outdoor exercise becomes difficult. City data from 2025 showed that heat-related emergency calls for adults over 65 rose 12 percent between May and September, prompting the council to expand indoor options this summer.

Where classes take place

One set of sessions meets at the Ponder Park Recreation Center on Ponder Drive in the Lower Valley neighborhood. Another runs at the El Paso Senior Citizens Center on Copia Street near the intersection with Montana Avenue. Both sites provide air-conditioned rooms and trained instructors who lead chair yoga on Mondays and balance training on Wednesdays.

Participants must register once through the city’s online portal or by calling the Parks and Recreation main office on Durango Street. No proof of income is required, and sessions remain open to any El Paso resident who turns 60 before the end of the calendar year.

Numbers behind the expansion

City records indicate 1,240 seniors attended at least one class during the first three weeks of the program. Each class lasts 45 minutes and caps at 25 people to maintain spacing. The department reports that equipment costs, including resistance bands and mats, came from existing recreation budgets rather than new fees.

Residents can check the current weekly schedule on the City of El Paso website or pick up printed flyers at any branch library. Those interested should arrive 10 minutes early for the next available session to complete a simple health questionnaire.