ROME TOWNSHIP — Seniors at the Brickhouse Cardio Club in Rome Township had a special visitor to their class on Wednesday.

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, visited the exercise center to take part in a workout session with the SilverSneakers fitness class.

Led by Brickhouse owner and instructor Angie George, Johnson and about 25 seniors started off with a march in place, before doing stretches, working with weights, chair exercises, exercise band workouts and balance moves.

Johnson, who hadn’t attended before, kept up with the regulars.

He said the exercise program was a needed option for promoting healthier living.

“Taking individual responsibility is an important part of driving down health care costs,” he said. “These ladies are demonstrating that taking personal responsibility leads to better health and less emergency room visits and lower costs. I’m here to advance that cause.”

Following the workout, refreshments were served and Johnson was available to meet with the seniors.

Donita Garido, an instructor at Brickhouse, said the class has a specific mission.

“A lot of what we do is geared toward help with everyday things,” she said, pointing out that the exercises, while not overly strenuous, covered all the vitals.

The class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the club and on Friday, a chair yoga session is offered to go along with the regular class.