Fitness

The Fitness Program

The Fitness Center

The goal of our fitness program is to strengthen muscles and to help residents increase and maintain physical stamina through moderate, regular exercise.

Available equipment includes exercise bikes, NU-Step, treadmills, a balance board, free weights, stretching equipment and an Elliptical. In addition, there are leg curl, leg extension, and leg press machines, an arm curl, chest press, and rowing machine, and still another to exercise the abdominal muscles.

Residents using the Nu-Step

Also offered are classes in body tune-up and balance building with emphasis on the needs of those with arthritis. A licensed massage therapist is available three days a week. (Make appointments with the Fitness Center.)

The Fitness Center is open to residents and their guests 6 days a week, from 8:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Participants are asked to accept instruction in the use of equipment before trying any mechanical device.

The staff in addition to the Fitness Director, includes two full-time, certified personal trainers and several college students who life guard and fill in as needed.

Eleanor English tunes up on the Elliptical.

Jean Hanst, Mary Ellen St. John, and Lee Chiste working out.

Photo by Anne Benedict

Photo by Stacey Judge

Photo by Stacey Judge

Introducing a New Walking Program

Our Fitness Director, Liz Schaus-Guzzo, has introduced to residents a walking program designed to increase our fitness. Led by a Fitness Instructor, the group walks the grounds of Meadow Lakes over a variety of terrains and distances. Alternate, indoor routes have been planned for inclement weather.

Here is a picture of four walking enthusiasts who stopped for a photo opp of a sunny November day.

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Prevention of Falling

If there are no medical reasons for preventing physical activity, the Meadow Lakes Fitness Center can provide safe and specific exercises for each resident. Physical activity is good for both mind and body. To feel better overall, have more energy, and to remain independent, everyone is encouraged to carry out a program of regular exercise. Staying in shape helps to prevent falls, as well. If you have any question about conflict with other medical problems, check in at the Meadow Lakes doctor’s office (clinic) for approval.

Indoor and Outdoor Pools

Water Aerobics is a favorite among those who want vigorous, non-weight-bearing aerobic exercise while having fun. Stacey Judge, Fitness Director, energetically leads classes 5 days a week.

Participants are so enthusiastic they never miss an opportunity to attend.

In addition to these classes, free swim hours are available daily. Water Walking, often prescribed by our Health Care physical therapists, is pursued by many whose health is improved by walking back and forth the length of the pool.

After a time in the pool, residents enjoy warming their muscles in the jacuzzi. Here, Stacy Judge, Springpoint Fitness Coordinator, enjoys a smile with residents Fred Mold and Phoebe Ballard.

The indoor pool is 4.5 feet deep and so is perfect for the types of exercises taught there. It is suitable for swimming but not diving. The outdoor pool that goes to 8 feet in depth, accommodates an active swimming program, and is enjoyed during warm weather by residents and guests.

The outdoor pool facing the Fitness Center.

Wellness Path

The Wellness Path was designed to assist those who could benefit especially from a walking program. There are 10 stations along the path where walkers may stop to perform simple exercises.

This photo shows the path looking toward the outdoor pool and pool house and also reveals on of the benches placed along the route to provide resting spots. At the right is a bridge with three steps leading up and three leading down where people can practice their skill on stairs.

This picture looks in the opposite direction along the path. The lovely flowers and plantings are tended by the Gardeners of Meadow Lakes, women and men who volunteer to do this work.

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