Fox Run Residents Enjoy a Fresh Focus on Well-Being

Rick Grauer likes being disciplined. Every morning for the last three years, right after breakfast, he sets out from his two-bedroom, two-bath apartment home at Fox Run, the Erickson Senior Living community located in Novi, Mich.

But he doesn't go far. He walks directly to the on-campus fitness center in the Ascot Clubhouse.

If it's cardio day, Rick chooses from a range of state-of-the-art recumbent cross-trainers, treadmills, and stationary bikes. If it's strength day, he goes across the hall to use weight machines and free weights.

"Clearly, I'm very enthusiastic about using the fitness center," Rick says, with a laugh. "It's the high spot of my day! I know I'm doing something to benefit my physical health, but psychologically, it puts me in a positive state of mind to start the day. I'm doing something good for myself that makes me feel good about myself."

At Fox Run, residents have convenient access to industry-leading amenities that are designed to enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. With a fitness center, swimming pool, and healthy dining options at on-site restaurants, there's no shortage of ways for residents to meet their wellness goals!

Investing in well-being

More than ever before, retirees like Rick are passionate about caring for their well-being.

To support residents across the country in this endeavor, Erickson Senior Living is investing $500 million in upgrades to its communities, focusing on amenities and activities that support physical, mental, and spiritual health.  

At Fox Run, Erickson Senior Living's investment is being used to construct a meditation garden near the Belmont Clubhouse as well as new outdoor courts for bocce and pickleball, complete with covered areas for enthusiastic spectators.

Although all buildings across the 108-acre campus are connected via climate-controlled walkways, making it easier for residents to maintain their healthy routines, Rick loves taking the scenic route to these new amenities.

"The landscaping is outstanding. A lot of care went into the design and selection of the variety of tree types on campus," says Rick. "Plus, walking around campus is a great way to decompress. It's a positive thing for me!"

A holistic approach

The fitness center is at the heart of Fox Run's on-site wellness offerings. Here, Fitness Manager Jennifer Nowakowski works one-on-one with residents to develop workout plans that are unique to each person's abilities and goals.

"For me, these sessions are also opportunities to learn more about residents' lives and what may be causing them stress," she explains. "Residents often use these sessions as safe spaces to tell us how their day is going or how they're feeling."

In addition to these check-ins, residents channel their physical and mental health through the 20 exercise classes offered at the fitness center.

"We offer a large variety of classes, but the common theme in all of them is that we incorporate gentle stretching motions at the end. It's a great way to relax the mind and body," says Nowakowski. "We also do breathing exercises at the end of each class, and it helps folks feel good for the rest of their day."

Energy and flexibility

Prior to moving to Fox Run, Nancy Barnett wasn't a gym-goer--she just used an elliptical in her house. But after settling into her apartment home five years ago, she explored the fitness center and began using some of the equipment.

After taking a balance class and then an advanced balance class, she discovered the arthritis class, which has changed her life.

"I believe it's the best hour of my day!" Nancy says. "I always feel energized and more flexible when I leave there."

Social opportunities

Nancy notes that the community's many opportunities for social engagement have also enhanced her sense of well-being. "Everybody cheers for each other and looks out for one another. The people here at Fox Run are like my extended family!"

Rick couldn't agree more. "At the fitness center, there are other people like me who come at the same time of day, and we've become friends. These friendships let me know that I'm a part of something bigger, and my overall well-being is better."

Invest in your future self at Fox Run. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free apartment homes, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!