| Getting in shape at Episcopal Retirement Homes!
Getting enough exercise can be a challenge in any person’s life, regardless of your age, size or schedule. Although many health experts recommend striving for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, studies have shown that more than 60 percent of American adults are not regularly active. Leading a sedentary life can increase your risk for obesity and many chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
To help Episcopal Retirement Homes (ERH) team members incorporate regular physical activity into their lives, ERH’s wellness team is taking steps to make getting fit a little easier. In addition to providing the Wellness Partner Program, the wellness team provides fitness center orientation; exercise equipment at all sites; personal training; and several fitness classes. According to Anita Schambach, wellness director, any person can and should participate in a regular fitness regimen.
“You can derive benefits from a fitness program at any age,” she says. “Staying physically active is increasingly important as we get older. Many health conditions commonly associated with aging can be minimized or even prevented by regular exercise.”
In honor of National Employee Health and Fitness Day (May 18), here are some basic fitness tips to consider. Always remember to check with your physician before beginning an exercise routine.
- There are four basic elements of physical fitness: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.
- Exercise is a great way to lower stress levels, increase well-being, improve physical fitness and potentially reduce weight.
- Physical activity does not need to be strenuous to achieve health benefits. In fact, greater health benefits can be seen with an increased amount (in duration, frequency or intensity) of activity.
- Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing or dying from some of the leading causes of illness and death in the United States, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer, depression and anxiety.
- Some examples of moderate physical activity include playing team sports such as basketball, softball and volleyball; bicycling; fast dancing; brisk walking; running; vigorous housecleaning, such as washing windows or floors; jumping rope; and stair climbing.
- To avoid soreness and injury, start an exercise program slowly and gradually build up to the desired amount of time, frequency and/or intensity.
- Parents can help children maintain a physically active lifestyle by providing encouragement and opportunities for physical activity.
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Classes and services available at ERH
Several fitness options are available to ERH team members, and more can be made available upon request. No pre-registration is required. All classes are free (exceptions are noted).
· Fitness centers are available at Deupree House and Marjorie P. Lee. These centers feature the same cardiovascular machines, Keiser equipment and free weights that you would find at a gym. The cost is only $10 per month for ERH team members. That fee is waived if you are a member of the Wellness Partner Program. Stop by any of the fitness centers to speak with
a wellness coordinator about signing up.
· Personal training is also available from Jan Hill for $20 per 30 minute session. Call her at ext. 7092 to schedule an appointment.
· Complimentary fitness assessments by an ERH wellness coordinator are provided for any team member to help tailor exercise plans to best meet your fitness goals. |
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Programs
