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New National Functional Fitness Program Developed for The Goodman Group Managed Communities Holds Weeklong Pedal Challenge

CHASKA, Minn. (Fall 2014) – Residents of The Goodman Group’s managed senior living & health care communities are pedaling toward fitness during Active Aging Week! The International Council on Active Aging® (ICAA) is challenging organizations throughout North America to come up with ways to motivate older adults to stay active and benefit from healthier lifestyles. The Goodman Group communities have accepted the challenge and are holding a weeklong Pedalthon in conjunction with its national FIT Functional Fitness^™ program.

During Active Aging Week 2014 (Sept. 21-27), five Goodman Group communities will host a Pedalthon, as part of the theme “Let the Adventure Begin.” During the national event, residents in California, Florida, Minnesota and Montana will focus on increasing their physical activity. The friendly competition will have residents pedaling alongside decorations depicting local landmarks and attractions. Participants can pedal daily and their mileage will be combined for a weekly total to reach a chosen area destination.

The Pedalthon is an extension of The Goodman Group’s FIT Functional Fitness program. Developed in partnership with a physical therapist and board-certified geriatric specialist, FIT Functional Fitness is designed to go beyond typical senior fitness programs to help improve residents’ core strength, balance, cardiovascular health, and promote relaxation. The program’s targeted exercises are created to deliver the maximum benefit for each participant. The goal is to increase overall health and well–being, reduce potential for falls and to encourage residents to remain active and, where possible, reduce the need for assisted mobility devices.

“Research shows that with regular exercise, many of the physiological changes related to aging can be prevented or postponed,” says Katie Westberg, national director of Life Enrichment at The Goodman Group. “With FIT Functional Fitness, the goal is to improve core strength to help reduce falls and injuries. We’re seeing residents increase their mobility, endurance and balance, and improve their range of motion, but the benefits go beyond those factors. They feel better, have more confidence, and they’re having fun. It really increases their overall well-being. Participants can see long-lasting and significant strength training benefits within an 8-16 week period.” [Westberg is available for interviews prior to and throughout Active Aging Week.]

FIT Functional Fitness incorporates four fitness programs, taking current health levels into consideration and allowing all residents to participate, no matter their current functional fitness level. As their strength and endurance increases, residents may choose to progress to the other programs offered:

• FIT to be Strong™ – The core of the FIT Functional Fitness program, FIT to be Strong incorporates strength building exercises done lying down, and balance exercises while standing. Both use weights on the arms and legs.
• FIT to be Strong Seated™ – Strength building exercises using weights while sitting in a chair.
• FIT to Stretch™ – Stretching exercises aimed at decreasing pain and improving range of motion, while promoting relaxation.
• FIT to Pedal™ – Endurance-based exercise where participants use a stationary peddler.

Each FIT Functional Fitness class is led by a trained Life Enrichment team member. The group classes are fun and interactive, which also allows for social engagement and increased mental acuity.

FIT Functional Fitness is one of several collaborative programs available exclusively to residents of The Goodman Group managed communities. The Pedalthon events are being hosted at Monte Vista Village in San Diego (Lemon Grove), Calif.; The Residence at Timber Pines in Spring Hill; Fla.; St. Anthony Health Center and Chandler Place in St. Anthony, Minn.; and Westpark Village in Billings, Mont.

Hear what FIT participant, Sally, says about the program.

Hear what FIT participant, Jackie, says about the program.

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