With the opening of the Jim and Bess Blanchette Lifestyle Fitness Center later this summer, Presbyterian Village North (PVN) has set a goal to eventually offer 70 or more fitness classes a week, both land and aquatic, to suit the varying interests of residents. To reach this goal, Shannon Radford, wellness director of Presbyterian Village North, will add two to three new classes to the schedule each month leading up to the opening of the new fitness center. The renovation and expansion of the Lifestyle Fitness Center is part of a $93 million expansion project the senior living community is undergoing to better serve its residents. Five recently added classes include: Belly Blaster, Yo-Chi, Cardio Jam, Yoga Sculpt and Interval Blast. Dale Eichenberger, a 70-year-old resident of PVN, recently started attending both Yoga Sculpt and Interval Blast, as they are higher-intensity classes perfectly suited for his fitness level.
“I feel challenged by these classes, as my heart rate picks up, and I actually break a sweat while I do them,” said Eichenberger. “For 30-plus years I led Boy Scout troops on hiking, camping and fishing trips. I recently picked up these classes at Presbyterian Village North to keep me active since I retired from the Boy Scouts. To stay active means to stay awake, to keep moving, to be more coordinated physically and sharper mentally. I find I am more focused and have better stamina and energy.”
Eichenberger’s favorite class is Yoga Sculpt, as it is new and challenges his body in different ways, ranging from flexibility to strength to balance. He enjoys the 45-minute classes and is currently focused on mastering the various yoga positions so he gets more out of his workout. Doing the poses consistently for a certain length of time is most challenging to him, though he loves that it builds up his abilities and coordination. Once he masters the poses, he would like to focus on the meditative aspects of yoga. Interval Blast is a total body workout that incorporates strength training, bursts of cardio, and other circuits in a high-energy class. Eichenberger is consistently challenged in this class. He says that every time he finishes a class he walks away feeling accomplishment for having worked so hard.
“In addition to these two classes, we are also offering Belly Buster, Cardio Jam and Yo-Chi, which are all quite popular,” said Radford. “Belly Blaster is a fun class that helps residents target their core and focuses on abdominal muscles. Cardio Jam combines upbeat pop music with classic cardio moves for an energetic dance party. Yo-Chi is the newest fitness class, combining Tai Chi and Yoga. We like to offer classes that incorporate the latest fitness trends, as that keeps things fresh and exciting. We serve a variety of residents with a broad range of interests, abilities and schedules – so offering many different classes allows us to engage and motivate all of our residents. Someone who prefers Yoga Sculpt may not love find as much satisfaction in Line Dancing or Zumba.”
Radford is delighted to offer residents more high-intensity classes to challenge those who desire a higher-level fitness routine. These classes will eventually be open to both residents and employees. As more areas of the expansion project reach completion and more residents move in, Radford and her team will continue to add new classes to cater to new interests. Their goal is for the new Lifestyle Fitness Center to be busy, full of life and full of laughter.
“I advise people to try as many classes as they are able until they find the one that works best for them,” said Radford. “If you find the right music, instructor and friends, that can make it so much easier to stay motivated. Having friends in class also helps keep you accountable. I have yet to hear a resident regret coming to class, as most leave feeling energized and happier!”
Interval Blast is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. Yoga Sculpt is offered on Fridays from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. Yo-Chi is offered on Fridays from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. Belly Blaster is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Cardio Jam is offered on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Other classes offered include: Better Balance, Cardio Fit, Osteofit, 10/10/10, Tai Chi, Gentle Yoga, Brain Busters, Golf Stretch and Strengthen, Line Dancing and Lighten Up PVN. While these classes are not open to the general public, the media is invited to attend and cover any of the classes.