Eagle's Trace	UPDATED: Tuesday, June 26, 2007
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#1 priority: Fitness for all

Posted on Friday, June 01, 2007

On-site professionals and classes cater to every level of athletic strength and inclination

By Sunny McKinnon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Slim down. Tone up. Lose some pounds. Gain some muscle. Flex or tighten. Sharpen an edge or dull the pain. Increase balance or reduce stiffness. Whatever the objective, individuals who live at Eagle’s Trace find that reaching fitness goals are easier when one of the nation’s most comprehensive wellness programs for older adults is guiding the way.

“While we naturally lose some of our athletic abilities as we age, more often the loss occurs because of inactivity. Here at Eagle’s Trace, it is easy to adopt an active lifestyle,” says Shirley Woods, wellness coordinator for the community. “At Eagle’s Trace, everyone’s on the move. Not only is the fitness center just down the hall, but we have trainers on site and we have exercise classes–in and out of the water–every day during the week.”

With more than 24 years of providing full-service, maintenance-free living to older adults, data accumulated by Erickson Communities, the developer of Eagle’s Trace, confirms that exercise has a positive impact on individuals as they age.

Compelling stats
Erickson research shows that while about one in four Americans will need nursing care at some point in their life, at an Erickson community, only about one in 13 will ever need such care.

Additionally, hospital usage by people who live in Erickson communities is a mere one-third of the national average.

The list of exercise classes at Eagle’s Trace, located between Memorial and Briar Forest drives, just off Highway 6, covers the range of options, from advanced to beginning.

“Each and every person is different, with different exercise needs and requests. We structure our classes accordingly, offering more intense yoga and Pilates sessions as well as classes for individuals who are more limited in their abilities, simply looking to improve their functionality in everyday life,” says Woods.

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Specifically, Woods and her Associate Trainer Claudia Alcocer offer:

• Yoga and Pilates: improves stretching and flexibility;

• Functional Beginning: for individuals in wheelchairs or at the lower end of the fitness spectrum;

• Silver Express: stresses balance and includes some cardio work;

• H2O Kick-Boxing: traditional kick-boxing exercises performed in the pool

• Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program: a warm-water exercise program designed to relax muscles and increase circulation;

• Water Tai Chi Ai Chi Yoga: a water-therapy program created to improve range of motion, flexibility and balance, without overstressing joints;

• Strength and Stretch: exercises and strengthens all major muscle groups;

• H2O Yoga: traditional yoga practiced in the heated pool; and

• Line dancing: offers an excellent mind and body workout to music.

The classes are scheduled Monday through Friday, and individuals are encouraged to stop in and talk with either of the instructors to determine which is best suited to exercise needs.

“Of course, every person who exercises with us or in the fitness center must have medical clearance,” adds Woods. “We work closely with Dr. Patel [Eagle’s Trace Medical Director] to be certain that an individual’s exercise program is in line with their overall health.”

Zumba dances in
Coming soon, Zumba, the newest South American cardio workout, will be one of the classes offered for residents at Eagle’s Trace. Woods is pursuing accreditation to teach the Zumba, an exercise/dance combination that features simple and easy dance moves to achieve long-term health benefits, including a great feelgood workout.

Another class that’s in the works is land-based arthritis foundation Tai Chi, taught by Woods.

Certified professionals
Both Woods and Alcocer are fully trained professionals with a zeal for fitness and exercise that translates into a love of their chosen careers.

Woods, who says she fell in love with fitness in high school, has 25 years of experience, including certification by organizations including People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE), Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), and The SilverSneakers Fitness Program. She is also certified to teach Pilates, Yoga, and Kick Boxing for land.

A native of Galveston, Alcocer earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from George Mason University in Virginia. She is certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (A.C.E.).

“Shirley and I are an excellent team,” says Alcocer. “We truly enjoy the science of fitness, and we are dedicated to offering a results-oriented program that will enable individuals here at Eagle’s Trace to take charge of their fitness and find their way to an active, healthy lifestyle.”