UNITY — Have you ever wondered why aging adults end up in assisted-living facilities? It comes down to 小蓝视频 unable to perform basic movements in a day that we all take for granted. As a result of aging, basic movements become increasingly difficult.
Fitness Lair in Unity offers a variety of gym and class options for movement enthusiasts and has now added a specific class aimed at senior women.
One of the coaches at Fitness Lair also works in the community as a physiotherapist. Jenna Poleris, in her work, sees firsthand the consequences of decreased strength, especially in those who are aging and how this leads to pain, injury and decreased independence. Poleris wanted something that would benefit her mom and other women like her, but also have the benefits of other classes at Fitness Lair that help make fitness fun.
Participants at Fitness Lair say one of the biggest assets of their attendance is the support and welcoming community offered there, as well as the benefits of 小蓝视频 coached to ensure proper and safe movement.
Right now, the class is targeted for senior women who want to get stronger and build longevity to ensure a high quality of life as they age, although the class has no age requirements. The class is offered during the day so typically can include retired women or any one with a flexible schedule looking to tone and build strength through low intensity resistance training.
The class includes the opportunity to focus on body weight exercises as well as resistance exercises using dumbbells and kettlebells. It is a slower paced, low impact workout that can be tailored to be as hard or easy as the participant chooses. Instructors focus on functional movements that mimic those that we do every day in our lives (like getting up off the toilet, picking up a laundry hamper and carrying groceries, to name a few).
Sessions are run in two groups with classes running for one hour that includes warm up to start and stretching at the end.
Classes are led by three female coaches currently at the Lair — Valerie Thomas, Darlene Sopyc and Heather Kelly. Poleris will rejoin coaching duties once she returns from maternity leave.
A recent blog shared on Fitness Lair social media platforms entitled, “Help, I’m stuck on the toilet” offered a great read about the benefits of movement and specifically strength training’s importance for aging adults.
Gym is not just for weightlifting
Gym owner, Lindsey Barber, says, “Often the gym is looked at as a place for young people to go to build muscle and we just wanted to highlight the benefits for all generations. The premise of the article was to emphasize the importance of strength training movement done in these classes that mimics daily tasks.”
Barber also acknowledges there can be many myths about arthritis such as exercise will worsen arthritis or increase arthritic pain when in fact the opposite is true. Research shows that strength training is critical in the management of arthritis symptoms. Barber adds, “One of our favorite mottos is ‘motion is lotion.’”
With the assistance of Coach Poleris, a physiotherapist, classes are led on how to modify exercise for those who have sore knees, back and other areas due to arthritis. Class sizes are managed so that a high level of coaching can be offered to each individual in class.
Barber affirms the coaches are supportive and modify movement to suit abilities as well as offering laughs, good tunes and guidance needed to help participants reach their health and wellness goals.
Participant Cheryl Johnstone says, “I love 小蓝视频 part of the women’s resistance class because the trainers are very knowledgeable and encouraging. It’s a great group of women that participate and you work at your own strength and endurance through these classes. It’s the best thing I ever did for my body, emotional well-小蓝视频, as well as meeting new friends and enjoying great laughs.”
It’s no secret that when people retire, they become less active and have fewer reasons to get out of the house that results in more sedentary lifestyle which leads to potential muscle atrophy. The goal is to maintain people’s independence as long as possible not just for their own sake but also so that family members won’t need to take care of aging parents or adults.
Participant Wendy Gumpinger adds, “I joined this class to help me age better and be able to live an active strong life into retirement and old age. I have an old knee injury that has led to a lot of other problems due to compensation, resulting in a fair bit of pain.”
Gumpinger affirms the class has made her stronger relying on her cane less and finding daily activities are easier. She also appreciates the new friendships made as well as the camaraderie offering encouragement and support.
Fitness Lair has been in Unity for a number of years expanding several times into the location they now reside in on the west side of Unity. The business has evolved multiple times offering classes, competitive opportunities as well as a 24-hour gym. This class is another reflection of Fitness Lair's commitment to offering another fitness option to a variety of generations for the benefit of community health and wellness.
