New Sedgebrook Fitness Center manager aims to help residents reach their goals
Goal setting is something Ruth Reyna truly believes in. As an avid hiker and mountain climber, Reyna is used to setting her sights high to reach the top of a mountain. She has hiked through the Grand Canyon, Australia, New Zealand and will be lacing up her hiking boots to climb Pikes Peak in September.
As the new fitness center manager at Sedgebrook retirement community in Lincolnshire, helping residents reach their individual goals to get to the top of their personal mountain is something that Reyna and the fitness center staff are ready and willing to do.
Keeping residents active and independent through fitness is a key objective for Sedgebrook. The fitness center is managed by the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, a leader in the expanding field of active aging.
"We work with more than a dozen other senior communities across the United States. That's a significant advantage for us, as it gives us feedback on what has or hasn't worked well across the country with residents similar to those living at Sedgebrook," Reyna said.
With more than 20 years' experience in the fitness and wellness industry that includes managing fitness facilities for hospitals, corporate locations and retirement communities, Reyna's own background includes working in a variety of roles, from health educator, personal trainer, exercise instructor, coach and manager.
"I love my job," Reyna said. "The wonderful thing about Sedgebrook is they had a template in place providing people with a comprehensive wellness program. I really enjoy the fact that Sedgebrook's goal is to help residents maintain independence. That goal is why they come to the fitness center."
Reyna said that many residents in a retirement community want to maintain fitness so they can keep their independence.
"They are inspiring," Reyna said. "I don't call them 'old,' they are active agers."
As the new manager, Reyna wants to reach out to individuals that are not participating in the fitness program and get them involved to help improve their overall health and well-being.
"I believe no matter what your limitation may be, there is something we can help you do," she said. Retention of participants is also a goal for the fitness center, she added.
There are plenty of activities already available to residents to pique curiosity and interest in fitness center activities, including an indoor aquatic center and fitness machines, but Reyna said that residents can expect some exciting programs to be implemented throughout the year.
One of those programs is the National Senior Health and Fitness Day that took place May 27. The annual event follows Sedgebrook's commitment to its residents. Tai chi and Qigong classes that incorporate physical postures and breathing techniques and seated exercise programs, among other activities, will be available for residents to try out, Reyna said.
An opportunity to sample another form of exercise is one of the best ways to bring awareness and perhaps re-engage a resident who has stopped exercising, she said. The addition of mini-lectures on a variety of health and wellness topics will also be forthcoming to help residents further their physical fitness pursuits.
Reyna said that all Sedgebrook residents, whether a new or existing fitness center member, receive a comprehensive senior fitness evaluation including aerobic, balance, flexibility and strength evaluations.
The evaluation helps the fitness center staff to know what programs to offer that will best serve the resident, she said. The test is redone in three to four months to check on progress and make any necessary adjustments so a resident can reach their fitness goal.
"The support of the fitness center staff is an asset to the residents here," Reyna said. Fitness specialist Jackie Nitsche and her relationship with the residents has been a huge bonus for Reyna as she transitions into her new role, Reyna added. "It is super exciting to be here."
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 on the 92-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire.
Sedgebrook is owned by Senior Care Development LLC and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For details, visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call (847) 901-3319.
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