Staying Fit While You Age— State-of-the-Art Wellness and Fitness Center

September 24, 2018 | The Villager | Reading Time 3:00 Minutes

State-Of-The-Art Fitness Center Key to Senior Health at Friendship Village

The Oslo University Hospital in Norway recently studied 5,700 men, age 68-77, who exercised 30 minutes a day, six days a week. The study concluded that, on average, this exercise regimen helped add more than 5 years to the lives of the participants. Encouraging news, indeed!  Yet, according to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, only about 1/3 of American adults get 150 minutes of exercise per week and the level of activity typically decreases even more among seniors. By age 75, about one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity at all. That’s why, here at Friendship Village senior living community in Kalamazoo, MI, we’re so committed to offering a holistic approach to our residents’ health and well-being—and that includes providing a state-of-the-art Wellness and Fitness Center. Our beautiful 4,000 square foot Center was developed with the assistance of the National Institute for Fitness and Sports to meet the diverse needs of our senior residents.

Fitness Tailored to Your Needs

We provide a full-time manager/trainer who offers classes and evaluations to the NIFS Active Aging Services and tailored to older adults. We work with residents to create a fitness plan unique to their individual needs and fitness levels, and we ensure that they know exactly to how to operate our professional grade equipment—including recumbent bicycles with easy side-swivel seats, resistance chairs with strengthening bands, treadmills, ellipticals, steps, and weights. The Center is open 24/7 and all fitness classes are free for residents.

Along with the aforementioned longevity benefits, exercise contributes significantly to a vibrant and engaged senior lifestyle. According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, physical activity helps aging adults maintain the ability to live independently, reduces the risk of falling and fracturing bones, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression while fostering improvements in mood and feelings of well-being. Ensuring that we have state-of-the-art fitness facilities that encourage participation among residents and promote the many benefits of an engaged, physical lifestyle is just one part of our expansive Living Well at Friendship Village concept.

Coming Soon: Our New Aquatic Center!

The planning committee at Friendship Village has recently released a sneak peek of our forthcoming Aquatic Center! Conveniently located next to the Fitness Center, the 4,000 square foot Aquatic Center will feature a 16’ by -32’ variable depth pool with lap lane, sauna, locker rooms, and outside entertainment patio.

Come for a Visit!

Interested in learning more about our Wellness and Fitness Center, new Aquatic Center, and all the ways Friendship Village promotes a healthy, engaged and active senior lifestyle? Contact us today at 269-381-0323 or 1-800-613-3984.