Before the chair exercise class started, after everyone took their seats, instructor Dedra Heath walked up and down each row and counted the participants. 

When she reached 100, the gymnasium erupted into cheers, and Heath raised her fists victoriously, but not for long because she still had a few more rows to count.

The final headcount for the Sept. 2 chair exercise class at the Mexico Area Family YMCA was a record-breaking 142 participants. Brooke Oliver, CEO of the Mexico YMCA, was excited about the impressive turnout and said the credit goes to Heath. 

“Dedra is our fearless leader,” Oliver said. “She’s the real G.O.A.T.”

The class far exceeded Heath’s expectations. What made the number even more impressive, she said, was that Wednesdays are cardio days, and people generally prefer the other classes. She led the YMCA’s biggest class yet through seated cardio exercises alongside her fellow instructor Nancy Taylor.

“I’m so proud of this class,” Oliver said. “It’s so fun to see.”

For years, the Mexico YMCA has offered low-impact exercise classes for seniors, but it experienced a growth spurt last year. In February 2025, the chair class set the record with 73 participants. That’s when the YMCA staff set their sights on 100.

Heath had a few classes over the summer that reached upwards of 90 participants, which let her know that the record was within reach.

“It’s been an awesome summer,” she said. “We’ve had great numbers.”

The steadily growing numbers reflect how important the chair classes have become to a lot of people.

Rebecca Long, a Mexico YMCA member, has been taking the chair exercise classes since 2022. When she retired, Long said her doctor gave her the choice of going to physical therapy or joining the YMCA. 

“I love it, and I feel better,” Long said.

As an avid bowler who is at the alley three days a week, Long said Monday’s classes with weights are her go-to and have helped her continue bowling.

While some people like Long take the class to stay active, many come to continue their rehabilitation after surgery. Daryl Wagner and his wife Gayle have been attending the Mexico YMCA’s chair classes three days a week for the past year and a half after Daryl underwent a shoulder replacement.

Similarly, Mary Creason was in the front row, completing the workout with ease just three weeks after she was released from the hospital following a broken femur. Her husband, Jack, said she’s doing extremely well, and the reason for that is because she is at the Mexico YMCA five days a week.

“If you stay active, it pays off,” Jack said.

After class, everyone was invited to a celebration in the café, where Oliver and other YMCA staff members had light refreshments and healthy snacks prepared. It was packed, but on the way out, the record-setting class paused to sign a commemorative banner.