The Cedars is introducing a state-of-the-art strength training program for our retirement community residents living in independent living and assisted living. Sharon Leddy-smart, Lifestyle Coordinator at The Atrium and Angie Hunt, Director of the Hoffman Center recently presented this exciting new program to the members at The Atrium, The Cedars independent living community.
Angie and Sharon pointed out that aging is a natural process, and we all age differently. Several studies show that exercise not only improves quality of life, but also helps people live longer lives. The ten bio-markers of age, which are reversible include:
- Muscle Mass – Decreases
- Strength – Decreases
- Basal Metabolic Rate – Decreases
- Body Fat – Increases
- Aerobic Capacity – Decreases
- Blood Pressure – Increases
- Blood Sugar Tolerance – Decreases
- Cholesterol/HDL Ration – Decreases
- Bone Density – Decreases
- Body Temperature Regulation – Decreases
The Cedars new program is an innovative wellness program focused on strengthening – aimed at reversing these bio-markers. Sharon and Angie explained that the advantages of resistance training include improved strength by 40-150%, an increase in lean body mass and increased muscle fiber.
In addition, the benefits of exercise include decreased potential for falls, improved functional mobility, prevention and better management of chronic disease, help in preventing depression, anxiety and dementia, and a lesser likelihood of experiencing illness with an increased ability to recover more quickly.
The program begins with an extensive assessment of the residents’ current fitness level, and then proceeds into a twelve week course of classes held three times per week, followed by a re-assessment and continued exercise.
For more information, please contact us at 207-221-7100.