Older Adults Workout at Heritage Pointe of Teaneck
Daily Exercise Classes, Educational Wellness Programs, Help Active Retirees Stay Fit
TEANECK, N.J., Oct. 28, 2010 – According to the National Institutes of Health, regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and fit – physically and mentally – in a number of ways. It can prevent or delay diabetes, heart conditions, and bone loss; reduce arthritis pain, anxiety, and depression; and lower seniors’ risks for conditions such as impaired memory, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity.
To that end, Heritage Pointe of Teaneck offers a variety of fitness classes, wellness programs and an exercise room for residents to maintain optimal physical strength and health through their retirement years. The full-service rental retirement community offers classes for stretching, toning and flexibility, and more vigorous workouts with Zumba® and yoga. The classes are all led by professional fitness instructors who lead exercise programs designed to help older bodies increase muscle strength and tone gently.
The morning classes give residents the opportunity to work out safely while challenging them to build endurance and improve balance and coordination. In “Working Out with Serena,” instructor Serena Marion uses resistance bands, rubber balls and hand weights in the exercises as she encourages participants to push past their comfort zones.
“I’ve been exercising all my life so it’s wonderful that I can continue doing so here,” said resident Norma Pozner, who attends four classes a week. “We really like the energy Serena brings to the class and we get a complete workout.” Marion leads the group in solo and partner exercises, both seated and standing. Leg lifts, arm stretches, isometrics, and weight and resistance training are all incorporated into each one-hour session that works all the major muscle groups.
Anna Marie Dobler, who attends all the fitness classes, says the convenience of having them on the premises every day has helped her get and stay in better shape. “I was always active but I am definitely exercising more now,” she said. Dobler also walks regularly with her daughter through the 46 acres of the Teaneck Creek Conservancy woodlands, which border Heritage Pointe. She also occasionally joins the community’s walking club on guided trail hikes led by a fellow resident.
Ethel Solomon notes that the exercise classes are well attended and credits the morning schedule with encouraging the high participation rate. “You could keep busy all day here,” said Solomon. “Because the exercise classes are held mid-morning, there’s plenty of time to enjoy all the other programs.”
“We encourage all of our residents to participate in the exercise classes and wellness programs,” said Life Enrichment Director Lorraine Amendola. “The instructors teach programs geared to the specific needs of older adults so that everyone gets the maximum benefit from each class.” Amendola added that Heritage Pointe’s on-site exercise room, equipped with treadmills, a stationery bike and free weights, allows residents to maintain optimal cardiac health as well.
Exercise classes are just one way Heritage Pointe promotes fitness for its residents. The community has formed a partnership with Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck to provide seminars and health services with its new LifeSpa program. Holy Name representatives will be available in Heritage Pointe’s Wellness Center to answer health-related questions, present informational seminars, and help residents identify challenges and create personal goals for enhanced health and wellness.
Residents at Heritage Pointe of Teaneck enjoy weekday fitness classes as part of the community’s comprehensive wellness activities and programs to help active retirees maintain optimal physical strength and health. Some enjoy the stretching, toning and flexibility classes, while others participate in yoga and Zumba® workouts, all led by professional fitness instructors. Serena Marion, center, leads residents Rhoda Galembo, right, and Alex Kauders, left, in an exercise during Marion’s weekly “Working Out with Serena” class.
Heritage Pointe of Teaneck is located at 600 Frank W. Burr Blvd. near Route 4 just off of Interstates 80 and 95. In addition to its many activities, the community offers spacious apartments, distinctive amenities, and fine dining for active retirees. For more information, call (201) 836-9260 or visit www.HeritagePointeofTeaneck.com.