Sedgebrook Residents Pumping Iron

The Ironman Triathlon is widely considered to be among the most challenging athletic events in the world. Sedgebrook introduced a modified, but still impressive version of the Ironman/Ironwoman this summer, with approximately 40 residents signing on.

The event was the brainchild of Jackie Nitsche, fitness specialist at Sedgebrook, and implemented by Wellness Coordinator Jessica Jonckheere. "We encouraged residents to participate in all three categories: biking, swimming and walking or running. Each 20 minute workout equaled a mile, and over the course of ten weeks, the participants each accrued 280 minutes or 140 miles equaling the distance of a triathlon," she said.

The Ironman/Ironwoman was launched partly to encourage more residents to use the pool at Sedgebrook. "The pool is such a wonderful asset to the community, and exercises in the water are beneficial on many levels," said Jonckheere.

The program also promoted consistency in exercise. "Because the participants tracked their progress and turned in their own logs, they were able to see whether or not they were consistent and achieved their goals," said Jonckheere. "There was also a fun element of camaraderie as participants encouraged each other to keep going."

The objective of this as well as all fitness and wellness programs at Sedgebrook is to help residents maintain their independence in order to be able to enjoy doing what they love. "Our goal is to keep residents as active as they are today, if not more so," said Jonckheere.

Sedgebrook is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 92-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is owned by Senior Care Development LLC and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.