ALBANY - Dick and Charlene Kizer were the first to take advantage of the city's free fitness evaluation test offered to seniors Tuesday afternoon at the Albany Senior Center.

When they finished their six-step performance circuit, the Kizers met with a personal trainer to develop an exercise program to increase their strength and flexibility, which could help them live independently in their home for as long as possible.

After the Kizers and trainer Elke Asleson set fitness goals, she invited them to return to the center in six months to see how they were doing.

"We're trying to promote more opportunities for seniors to get fit," said Theresa Johnson, the city's adult recreation and fitness coordinator. "Our goal is to get people up and moving no matter what their age."

Tuesday's tests for people 50 and older included sitting up and down in a chair as many times as possible in 30 seconds, marching in place for 2 minutes, performing arm curls with weights, and sitting in a chair with legs extended to do a toe-touch.

"We came because we are always looking for ways to keep us active at our late stage in life," said Charlene Kizer, 68. Dick is 75.

She said the couple keeps fit by walking from their northeast Albany home to Bi-Mart, to breakfast and to the Clover Ridge store for milk.

"We're in excellent shape for the age we're in," Charlene said.

A $2,400 grant from Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments Senior and Disability Services was used to fund the costs associated with the evaluations.

Some of the unspent funds will go toward buying exercise aids, including mats, hand weights and stretch bands. The items will allow the city to offer more fitness classes at the senior center.