A healthier way to get the most out of your workout

By Melissa Borgerding
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

At the health club where Sue Leimberer used to belong, some of the exercise classes she would have liked to take just weren’t designed with older adults in mind, especially considering the right knee replacement she underwent last February.

Since moving to Monarch Landing, however, she’s found the perfect medicine in the form of the Fitness Center, exercise classes tailor-made for seniors, and, best of all, the swimming pool.

“My arthritis has improved. The water is great exercise,” says Sue. “I’m healthier now. Absolutely.”

A daily habit
Sue and her husband Daniel moved to Monarch Landing from North Chicago back in August. Since then, Sue has taken advantage of every exercise class offered, including water fitness and strength and stability class.

“Exercise is the key to staying healthy and young. The Fitness Center and the pool were the big reasons why we chose Monarch Landing,” she explains.

Thanks in part to Tony Galvan, the community’s wellness manager and an expert in older adult fitness, Sue feels confident that she’s getting the most out of her workout.

“Tony assesses you and develops a personal program for you. He recommends settings for the machines, how many repetitions you should do. He even told me which machines to steer clear of.”

Making fitness less routine
With so many fitness options, Sue keeps her exercise routine fresh. “Today, I was in the water for half an hour. Tomorrow, I’ll do the Nu-Step machines in the Fitness Center.”

Laughing, Sue admits that her biggest health worry now is a lack of excuses. “There’s no excuse not to use the Fitness Center. All you have to do is walk out your door. There’s no ‘I can’t go today because it’s raining, snowing, my car has a flat tire.’”