The concept of “functional fitness” for older adults is gaining momentum. According to a recent article about aging in America by the Huffington Post, functional fitness isn’t about running a marathon or climbing a mountain. Instead, it’s about keeping your body capable of real-life activities like shopping, day-to-day chores, or even just being able play on the floor with the kiddos (and being able to get back up again, of course).
Removing Barriers to Exercise (No Excuses)
In many ways, it’s easier to stay fit and active when living in a senior independent living community. Just your proximity to the action takes away many excuses for not exercising (come on, you know you’ve made a few).
Don’t want to drive anywhere? No worries. You don’t even have to leave the building to join the fun.
Forgot to register? No registration required and there’s always room in class. No sign ups. No extra fees.
Don’t want to go alone? You’ve got a ready-made crew to laugh and have fun with every time you go to class. Socializing with friends and neighbors is what keeps people coming back for more.
Afraid of falling or injuring yourself? This is a legitimate concern for many seniors, but “taking it easy” is usually a bigger risk than regular exercise. Plus, staff members will always be on hand to guide you and offer assistance. At Melrose, our fitness instructors are certified personal trainers, so you can trust that you’re in good hands.
Feel like you have to “get in shape” before you can get in shape? That’s just not the case. Almost all of our fitness classes can be done while seated, and our instructors are great about modifying classes based on your fitness level.
Afraid other people will laugh at you? Life is much too short for that. After all, there’s not an ache or a pain, wrinkle or a bulge that fellow residents haven’t experienced and laughed about a hundred times before. There’s a special kind of fellowship in senior fitness groups. Here you’ll find no judgment – just fun!
Pool Time Offers Extra Help with Senior Health Conditions
Water exercise is a great option for senior fitness. The low-impact nature of aquatic exercise builds strength and can be a great benefit if you suffer from chronic medical conditions like arthritis, joint pain and circulatory problems. The pool at Melrose Meadows is a favorite feature for many residents. Plus, having a pool on site is a great way to hang out with your grandkids.
Fun Fitness for Life
Functional fitness isn’t new to Melrose Meadows – it’s part of who we are. Our goal has never been to train for some feat of athletic endurance (although you certainly can if you want to). Instead, we’ve created fun, easy-to-access activities to keep you strong and supple today and well into the future.
Are you or a loved one exploring senior and assisted living communities? Melrose Meadows is a certified assisted and independent living community in Iowa City, Iowa. We provide an independent, secure lifestyle for our residents in a vibrant, all-inclusive setting. Schedule a tour today to see if Melrose Meadows is a good fit for your future.