Exercise has its benefits
Madeline Mellor, who lives at Ann’s Choice, says she exercised only a little bit before moving to the Warminster community but now finds a few minutes for exercise almost every day of the week. “It’s right down the hallway, so it’s easy,” she says. “I can usually get my exercise done in the time it would take me to drive to the gym if I didn’t live here. And I feel great after doing it. I can tell you that it can even do things like help with your blood pressure and improve bone density. And of course it really tones your body. I know it’s worth it for the long run, but you really do feel good after you work out.”
Have a plan
But for some people to get the most out of their workout, Cutler says that it takes more than just walking on a treadmill or lifting a few weights. It can take a personal workout plan.
She says she meets with Ann’s Choice residents on a regular basis to talk about their fitness goals and, if needed, maps out a fitness regimen that can help them achieve their desired results.
Cutler says the residents can complete the workouts on their own or even employ the help of a workout “coach” or trainer. Mellor says she uses a personal trainer to keep her going strong. “Every person is different,” she adds. “Some people know what they need to do to get into shape, but most people like a little instruction and help along the way. I use the elliptical machine, the new bike, and some weight machines, but make sure I listen to the trainers to stay on track and keep it fun.”
Join a group fitness class
Cutler explains that exercise and aerobics classes are a great way to stay in shape too, and the variety of classes offered at Ann’s Choice can help everyone find one that suits him or her. She says the community offers a number of specialty exercise classes including indoor pool aerobics, low impact tai chi, chair dancing, and yoga that are easy on arthritic joints.
Working out in the fitness center, taking an exercise class, or following an individualized fitness plan isn’t for everyone, but simply getting out and taking a walk has great benefits too.
Take a walk a day
Ann’s Choice retirement counselor Marie Dmoch says the community’s marked walking paths are great, but during colder weather, many residents just walk around campus through the climate-controlled walkways that connect very building. “We have residents who prefer to be in a less formal workout atmosphere,” Dmoch says. “I know many people who just get with a friend or two and take a walk around campus to catch up.”
“It’s refreshing,” Mellor says. “If you live at Ann’s Choice, there’s no real need to drive. Everything is a short walk down the hallway, so I’m walking more now than I ever did, and I feel good because of it.”
Start slow
“Always check with a doctor before starting any new workout regimen,” Cutler says. “There’s no reason to go overboard right away, but any little thing you do to keep active and keep moving should be beneficial.”
Is your fitness center age friendly?
When was the last time you evaluated a fitness center based on the safeguards they have in place for older exercisers? If you’re like most people, it probably never occurred to you.
But the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) urges all older people to do such evaluations, and to help you they have developed the “Age Friendly Facility Checklist” for physical fitness centers.
Checkpoints:
Is the exercise area clean and uncluttered?
Do they offer full-time fitness professionals to help walk you through the proper workout techniques?
Does the facility have a doctor, nurse, or physical therapist on-site?
Do staff members ask about your health history?
Is the staff properly trained to identify the warning signs of fatigue or distress?
Do staff members have CPR and first aid training?
Does the equipment have display panels that are easy to read, program, and change?
Is the music acceptable to you and set at a reasonable level?
Are the membership materials and contracts available in large print?