There are any number of excuses to avoid the gym, which is what got Cindy Agostinho off the treadmill and onto the dance floor.

“I was going to the gym and I absolutely hated it,” she said. “Someone suggested to me that I take line dance lessons and I did. That was over three and a half years ago and hear I am.”

Agostinho and her husband Michael Sadeck of New Bedford now teach line dance, including a donations-only session at the Mattapoisett Senior Center.

She and Sadeck started Boot Stompin’ with "Cindy and Company," following their retirement lats year – Agostinho from social work and Sadeck from corrections.

Agostinho had already discovered she had a knack for teaching. At dances, those who didn’t know the steps gravitated to Agostinho.

"I would start calling out the steps so they would get it,” she said. “Then I felt like, I can do it.”

Sadeck was a more reluctant line dancer. His wife began taking lessons first, and when he got restless at home alone, he decided to see what the fuss was about.

“I sat on the sidelines, the next thing I know, I’m getting hooked on it,” he said.

While Agostinho is the primary teacher, Sadeck helps their students remember which steps and which direction to turn as they work out a routine.

“We always start out with the basics,” said Sadeck. “They can come in any time throughout the year…just go with the flow and build up their skills.”

Agostinho said the lessons, which began in the fall, are a mental and physical workout.

“This isn’t very strenuous. It’s more aerobic,” she said. “It’s good for the mind, it’s good for the body.”

The cerebral workout is a draw for Agostinho's students.

“I love it,” said Fran Briggs, who wore her black cowboy boots to a recent session. “Your mind has to be thinking and the instructors are great.”

Line dance culture also has a reputation for being full of nice people, said Sadeck, and opportunities to socialize have been a positive for the seniors in Mattapoisett. The regulars have become friends who chat before and after class and in between songs.

“It brings you into a whole different world, the people that you meet,” said Sadeck. “[They’re] very down to earth people – all levels, all races, all ages and all that. There’s no lines there.”

The Boot Stompin’ couple hopes more people will take advantage of their weekly class at the Mattapoisett Senior Center, and Council on Aging Director Jackie Coucci said people of all ages are welcome, including parents who might be picking up their kids at Center School right after the class.

There is no charge, but a donation is appreciated. The classes meet at the Senior Center, located at 17 Barstow St. (adjacent to Center School), on Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, contact the Council on Aging at 508-758-4110.

Agostinho and Sadeck also teach lessons Tuesday and Thursday evenings in New Bedford and are available for dances, fundraisers and other events. Call 508-998-8774 or email bootstompinwithcindy@gmail.com for more information.