Fit for Life The Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
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eanne is a very young 94. Sally has survived breast cancer, as well as a knee replacement and a shoulder replacement. These two women—and all the participants in Virginia Hospital Center’s Senior Exercise Classes—are committed to staying fit and maintaining their independence. The benefits of exercise are well known, but as individuals age, an active lifestyle becomes even more important for overall health. Getting moving can help seniors boost their energy, maintain their independence, protect their heart, maintain a healthy weight, and manage the symptoms of illnesses. Regular exercise also promotes healthy minds, improving moods and enhancing memory. As part of Virginia Hospital Center’s commitment to serving the community and promoting lifelong wellness, the hospital offers a variety of fitness classes including Seniorcise, Gentle Yoga and Pilates, Tai Chi and Stretch & Strength classes. Classes are offered at Virginia Hospital Center and at the Carlin Springs Campus, as well as at several locations in the community. Seniorcise is one of the hospital’s most popular programs. It features low-impact movements and gentle strength training to give seniors a full body workout. The students in the class rave about the improvements they see in both their physical and mental health as a result of participation. “I am currently 94 years old, and I drive and take care of my own home. I feel this is because of the exercise program three days a week,” says Jeanne McChesney of the Seniorcise classes she takes. “When you stop working, the first thing on your list should be
Classes like Seniorcise can help seniors boost their energy and maintain their independence.
Seniorcise classes focus on functional fitness. Azita Behdad, a certified group fitness instructor, emphasizes how certain exercises can help her students get stronger and maintain their independence. (Pictured from left to right are: Jeanne McChesney, Azita Behdad, and Sally Bassler).
signing up for an exercise program.” Sally Bassler joined Seniorcise at the recommendation of her Oncologist while she was recovering from breast cancer. She has been a participant for seven years now. During that time, she has been able to regain her strength and mobility following breast cancer treatments, a knee replacement, and a shoulder replacement.
“I am currently 94 years old, and I drive and take care of my own home. I feel this is because of the exercise program three days a week.” — Jeanne McChesney, Virginia Hospital Center Seniorcise class participant “This program is wonderful, and our teacher, Azita, is gifted and just fantastic with our group,” Sally said. “She runs a no-nonsense, hour-long exercise class, but she always makes sure it is fun. She helps everyone to participate at the highest level they can.” The Seniorcise group is close-knit and supportive. “This is not just about physical health. I think it also promotes mental health because we are all very friendly, and we are always concerned when we don’t see someone for awhile,” Sally said. While Virginia Hospital Center is known for
the world-class care it provides to hospital patients, the facility is also deeply involved in helping community members establish and maintain healthy lifestyles. For seniors in particular, healthy habits can mean a higher likelihood of maintaining independence. Cathy Turner, the Director of Health Promotion and Senior Health at Virginia Hospital Center, explained, “Of course, we treat people when they are sick, but we want to enable them to live independently at home by getting them healthy and keeping them healthy. Exercise is one of the best ways to do that. It is the magic pill for overall health.” Many of the moves in the Seniorcise class focus on functional fitness—on practical abilities that are essential for maintaining independence. For instance, the instructors help class members improve their balance, so they are more confident walking on wet or slippery surfaces. “Everything I teach relates back to daily functioning,” noted Azita Behdad, a certified group fitness instructor and the leader of the McLean Seniorcise class. “The students’ safety is my number one concern, so we talk a lot about how these exercises can help them get stronger and maintain their independence.” With the help of Virginia Hospital Center’s exercise classes, seniors like Jeanne and Sally are maintaining their health and independence. They are fit—and they are ready to live their best lives for decades to come.
No matter your age or current physical condition, it’s never too late to get your body moving. Fitness classes can help keep you motivated, while also providing a source of fun, stress relief and a place to meet friends. Browse Virginia Hospital Center’s class offerings online: www.virginiahospitalcenter.com/healthy Virginia Hospital Center • Senior Resource Guide • 703.558.6859 •
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