Inside the spacious Warren Senior Center there’s usually a beehive of activity going on any given day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the focus turns to senior fitness for those 55 years of age and above, led by the energetic and incomparable Debra Gagnon.

This 72-year-old Fall River resident has been leading local seniors in regular exercise at the center faithfully, much to the delight of all those who participate.

“It’s a fun class,” noted Warren Senior Center director Betty Hoague, “and it’s wonderful seeing people getting the exercise they need to be independent. Debra’s senior fitness class exercises the whole body.”

With Debra leading the way (and with 45 years of experience under her belt), seniors know that this is a wonderful way to keep in shape, even for first-timers like 87-year-old Gloria Roy of Warren, who admits that participating in this program has been a very pleasurable experience.

“Last week was my first time taking part in the program” she noted, “and I really enjoyed it. My daughter suggested that I get out of the house more, so I came to the Senior Center here, and I’m happy I decided to get involved.”

Longtime distance runner and local resident Anthony DaPonte, who will celebrate his 87th birthday on Feb. 11, has nothing but great respect and admiration for what Deb Gagnon brings to her class at the Warren Senior Center.

“Balance is my workout,” he disclosed. “It rounds off my workout, and Deb has a great deal to do with that. She expands every part of your body. She’s very comprehensive and it helps me keep in shape.”

Having Debra Gagnon in charge of this program has obviously been advantageous to all those who take part in the program. She has the experience and background to back it up.

“I’ve run marathons, and kept physically active for a number of years,” said Gagnon, whose functional fitness has included a little bit of Pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba and Jazzy Joga. She’s also completed a course of studies in physical therapy, ballroom dance, toning, and weights.

As a certified group fitness instructor, Debra has been recognized by the American Council on Exercise and certified as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. She’s also a med tech.

In addition to the Warren Senior Center, Debra also is an instructor at the Tiverton Senior Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She also brings in her own portable boom box with selected music tapes to exercise by.

“Movement for older people is important,” she said. “And I know these people here at the Warren Senior Center really look forward to this exercise class every week.”