By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

As the New Year kicks off and people everywhere work to fulfill their grocery lists of resolutions, the Brooksby community has more chances than ever to jump-start a healthier lifestyle.

Alongside healthy dining options, dozens of activities, and a new Weight Watchers program, the fitness center at Brooksby has plenty to offer its members, including personal training and fitness classes.

Equipment and music
“Familiarize yourself with the fitness center and get to know the staff,”  Brooksby Wellness Coordinator Amy Beaudette advises. “Get into a daily routine; it could be 15 minutes on a walk or on the Nu Step. You will benefit!”

Brooksby’s fitness center offers three treadmills, three stationary bikes, four seated elliptical machines, and six Keiser strength machines, which use air instead of weight to provide a safer, smoother workout.

For those whose entertainment of choice isn’t TV, the sounds of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra keep everyone tapping their toes. “I feel much better, and I can hit the ball farther in golf,” says Philip Herrick, who uses the fitness center often when he can’t get outside to practice his golf game.

“The [fitness specialists] here are extremely competent,” he adds. As a former internist and cardiologist, Herrick says he appreciates that the recommendations the specialists make are correct.

Personalized assistance
Anyone who is new to the fitness center receives an assessment with one of the specialists to design an individualized workout program, followed by at least  two appointments with a personal trainer.

“We tailor to their goals and their needs,” Beaudette says. Lillian Brunswick  utilizes the fitness center’s half hour personal training sessions twice a week, a regimen that works for her.

“I started with the machines and classes, but I find that one-on-one is much better for me,” she says. Brunswick’s goal is to maintain her muscle use and get a bit strengthened.