Free, beginner-friendly exercise classes are open to seniors each week at three locations in St. Charles Parish. Autin, a parish resident who previously taught exercise classes at Anytime Fitness in Luling, began offering the community classes after the gym discontinued group fitness. She contacted Silver Sneakers and began teaching through its Flex program, which allows instructors to hold classes at community locations. Every Monday, Autin teaches Silver Sneakers Classic, a strength training class, at 10 a.m. at the St. Charles Parish West Bank Library in Luling. Autin said regular exercise is important for maintaining strength, mobility and independence as people age.