It is often said that it's never too late to start an exercise program. Helen Merrick is a prime example. In February, just one month shy of her 89th birthday, she began the Seniors FlexFit Program at Hawai'i Academy. Five months later she competed in a trampoline meet on Maui.

Merrick jumps on a trampoline for the sheer joy of it. When she's airborne, her enthusiasm belies her age.

Merrick said she has never been an athlete. For decades, she danced for recreation, mainly ballroom and square dancing. Formal exercise programs just weren't a priority as she raised a family and taught Russian and Spanish at San Jose State University.

Merrick began attending the FlexFit class because she couldn't resist the financial incentive. Hawai'i Academy has a unique financial structure. If four generations of a family get involved at the facility, all charges, for all generations, are waived. Since her daughter, Jonna Otto, 62; granddaughter, Malia Flores, 29; and great granddaughter, Julia Fehrer, 5; were all taking classes, Merrick decided to try it herself and save everyone money.

Merrick has found that the trampoline and FlexFit classes have kept her in shape: "I walk differently, faster and further. I have more confidence."

"This brought her youth right back," added daughter Jonna Otto.

On Maui, Merrick took first in her age group and on O'ahu she placed fifth, she said. Now she wants to take on the men in her class at the January 2009 meet. Though three of them are older than she, ranging from 93 to 97, they have all been trampolinists for a number of years. "I've been competitive with men all my life. Why stop now?" Merrick said.

Classmate Joan Robinson-Whitaker said of Merrick, "She smiles more than anyone I have ever known. She's the first to volunteer to do anything."

The Hawai'i Academy caters to those with disabilities and difficulties such as Parkinson's disease, arthritis and balance issues, as well as elite athletes. It's run by Max Vercruyssen, a Ph.D. in neuromuscular control and human performance, and his wife Dr. Donna Mah, a pediatrician. While the seniors practice sitting, standing and falling in one area, elite gymnasts and trampolinists train for the nationals or the 2012 Olympics just a few yards away.

Hawai'i Academy's focus is on functionality. For example, since falling is a hazard for seniors, instructor Michael Nakashima tackles it head on, teaching the class how to fall and having them practice falling over and over and over again on the safe, padded floor. They also practice sitting and standing on platforms ranging from a few inches to several feet high.

Merrick appreciates the practical aspects of the classes, of course, but it's the trampoline that makes her heart soar.