By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

According to the 2002 scholarly article entitled “Promoting and Prescribing exercise for the elderly,” by Robert J. Nied, M.D., and Barry Franklin, Ph.D., and published in the American Family Physician, “Regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits in older adults and is associated with decreased mortality and agerelated morbidity.”

The study also finds that “up to 75 % of older Americans are insufficiently active to achieve the health benefits associated with physical exercise.” Working to improve those odds, fitness centers at Erickson retirement communities strive to meet each individual’s fitness goals. Each center provides community members with access to top-notch exercise equipment, world-class trainers, and a variety of group exercise classes.

Helping hands
According a study by the President’s council on Physical Fitness and Sports, “Older adults should be encouraged to seek advice from a health or exercise professional who can assist them in the preparation of an optimal program designed to meet their individual needs.”

At Greenspring in Springfield, Va., Greenspring resident and fitness enthusiast Hank Morin enjoys the one-on-one attention. “Not only is the fitness center well-equipped, but it is also well-organized and wellmanaged,” he says.

“Without a doubt, these personalized fi tness plans are the number one reason why people continue to make regular visits to the Fitness Center,” says Wellness Manager Brad Hibbs. “They are less likely to get discouraged or injured while executing workout routines that carefully address their individual goals and fitness levels.”

Top-notch resources
Erickson fitness centers come equipped with a variety of exercise equipment, including Keiser resistance machines, NuSteps, treadmills, and recumbent bikes.