Creating and continuing an exercise routine can be a taxing accomplishment. Almost all of us have been there. We start the plan with high expectations and resolve, only to find ourselves giving up and often returning to an inactive lifestyle.

Research has found that half of those who begin an exercise program will drop out within six months. And many gym memberships that begin in January end in March. The reasons can vary from not seeing results fast enough to a busy life that makes it challenging to prioritize fitness.

The benefits of a fitness routine are clear. But if you don’t find a program with activities that are enjoyable and engaging, it can become much easier to find excuses instead of exercise.

Staying Fit While Having Fun

Do you know one of the best ways to stay in shape? It’s simple. Have fun while you exercise. It’s a great motivator and may even have you looking forward to your next class.

How can you find ways to make the experience more enjoyable? This might mean participating in activities that you have a passion for or joining a group that not only supports your efforts but also holds each other accountable.

Where you exercise and the convenience of having equipment or instruction available will also affect your ability to maintain a regular program.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

Take a moment to review some of the advantages of integrating physical fitness into your life:

Improved Cardiovascular Health
Regular exercise improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility
Physical activity helps maintain and improve joint flexibility, as well as your balance—which together can help reduce an older adult’s risk of falling.
Better Mental Health
Symptoms of depression and anxiety can be reduced when a regular exercise program is maintained. This also contributes to promoting a positive mood.
Increased Strength and Endurance
Building muscle strength and endurance helps with daily activities and enhances overall physical function.
Weight Management
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and hypertension.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
The benefits of physical activity have also been shown to extend to cognitive functions, such as improved memory and attention.
Better Sleep
Regular exercise promotes better sleep patterns, helping residents feel more rested and energetic. Getting enough sleep is a great foundation for an improved outlook on life.
Stronger Immune System
When continuing with a regular exercise program, the immune system can receive a boost, making it easier to fight off illnesses.
Social Interaction
Participating in group activities provides opportunities for socialization, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation—and increasing the chance to have fun with others.
Improved Quality of Life
Overall, staying active contributes to a higher quality of life by improving physical, mental and emotional well-being.

How Assisted Living Supports a Healthy Lifestyle

Assisted living communities offer many benefits, from accessible residences to healthy food, to help with daily tasks. But fitness programs at the community can also make it much easier to stay in shape. Why?

The Program Is Created for You: The community’s activities director is trained to create fitness programs specifically tailored to older adults. Knowledge of how to help residents remain fit, have fun and stay safe is the cornerstone of the program.
The Program Is Convenient: Most assisted living communities offer a dedicated program that is available on site. They provide all the instruction, equipment or other accessories if needed. You just need to sign up and show up.
A Natural Way to Meet and Make New Friends: One way to make exercising fun is to join your neighbors and meet other residents who will soon become friends. Having a group to share the experience makes it much more enjoyable.

Challenges of Staying Fit: At Home vs. Assisted Living Community

Consider how you will be able to implement an exercise program if you live at home as compared to moving to an assisted living community.

Remaining fit at home can present several challenges, especially for older adults. Exercising alone can become tedious. There may be limited access to appropriate facilities and exercise equipment, and having access to transportation can also make this more difficult.

Exercising while living at home may cause older adults to worry about falling or sustaining injuries. The fear of falling can also contribute to avoiding exercising altogether. When socially isolated, it is also more difficult to find motivation to work out. The lack of opportunities for group activities can also negatively affect mental and emotional well-being.

At Presbyterian Village North, you’ll find it much easier and more enjoyable to take advantage of our fitness program, which is supplied with age-appropriate exercise equipment and a trained staff to offer guidance and support. We encourage residents to stay active and engage with others. Socialization is a natural part of our program that ensures residents enjoy the regular opportunities for physical activity—contributing to their overall health and happiness.

Our residents look forward to time spent in our wellness center and interacting with our knowledgeable staff who provide safe instructions and encouragement. You’ll also discover an aquatic center with a saltwater pool, an exercise equipment room and an exercise studio for group classes, such as yoga and aerobics.

Assisted Living at Presbyterian Village North

At Presbyterian Village North, we are here whenever a helping hand is needed. Offering spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom residences, our residents personalize their choice to create the homes where they will live their highest quality of life.

Imagine a new life that includes a well-stocked library, a private dining room available for family celebrations and endless opportunities to make new friends and memories—all with the reassurance of living in a gated community with around-the-clock security.

We also provide the following services:

Licensed nursing staff onsite 24/7
Medication management administered by certified medication aides
Assistance with activities of daily living
Chef-prepared cuisine—meals per day with varied, all-day dining options
Dedicated Assisted Living Concierge
Special activities and social programs
Access to a full continuum of care
Expanded gym and aquatic center
Music and art programming
Physical, occupational and speech therapy
Convenient access to mobile healthcare services onsite including dental, podiatry, optometry, audiology, mobile x-ray and lab, and dietician
Full onsite pharmacy
And so much more!

Presbyterian Village North supports our residents to remain as independent as possible while living an enriched life. Please call 214-355-9015 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personal visit to our community.