Fitness is a Priority at Greenspring

SPRINGFIELD, VA -- Fitness centers and gyms across the country reach record attendance this time of year as visitors hope to keep the No. 1 New Year's resolution: getting physically fit. Fortunately, for staff and residents at Greenspring, their on-site, state-of-the-art Fitness Center encourages and promotes fitness habits, regardless of age or physical ability.

"It's never too late to start an exercise program, no matter your age or physical condition," says Brad Hibbs, Greenspring's wellness manager. "We start everyone off slowly, ensuring that no one works out in a way that causes injury. And in doing so, we help create a habit."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity is essential to healthy aging. It recommends adults over 65 get two and a half hours of moderate physical activity a week and do muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups twice a week.

In the book "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," published in 2013, author John J. Rately, M.D., notes that "exercise is the number one thing you can do for your brain." 

In fact, research shows that cognitive abilities improve with just one aerobic workout.

And while science and research are on their side, the hundreds of people visiting Greenspring's fitness center remain committed to their workouts simply because it is fun and makes them feel better.

Jim Hughes began working out in the fitness center shortly after his 2011 move to Greenspring. He visits the fitness center daily, engaging in stretching exercises, lifting weights, and using the aerobic machines. 

Joe Conlin began visiting the fitness center regularly after retiring last January. Like Jim, he visits every day, choosing to engage in a variety of workouts, including resistance training, cardio machines, and swimming.

"I find that I feel much better now that I've made a real commitment to staying physically fit," Joe says. "My muscle tone has improved, and my lower back problems have disappeared. I feel stronger and don't get as sick as often as I used to.

Excited by the opportunity to use Greenspring's all-season swimming pool, Pam Walkup began making daily swims a part of her routine shortly after her 2014 move. This commitment to swimming, as well as walking on the treadmill, pays off handsomely during frequent world travels. 

"I recently returned from Portugal and my daily aerobic activity made touring and all the associated walking so much easier and enjoyable," she says.

"I've always been active, taking part in aerobics and walking," says Ann Daniels. "But since moving to Greenspring I've enjoyed so many other opportunities that I never would have thought of doing before, such as pickleball, archery, and line dancing. I am grateful to the staff members who encourage me to continually try new activities."

Jim agrees. "The staff is first-rate," he says. "Everyone is so knowledgeable, not just about the equipment, but on what activities are best for each individual. And they make it fun, which is key to any lasting exercise program."

The Greenspring fitness staff encourage visitors with an incentive program recognizing milestones from 500 to 3,500 visits to the fitness center.

"The incentive program has taken on a life of its own," says Brad. "I'm thrilled that the program motivates residents. And their commitment, in turn, motivates all of us." 

In addition to providing help while working out in the fitness center and teaching group exercise classes, staff members are also available for one-on-one personal training. 

About Greenspring: Greenspring, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 58-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia. The community is located in Fairfax County and is home to nearly 2,000 residents. Additional information about Greenspring can be found at GreenspringCommunity.com.