Sedgebrook's Annual March Into Balance Keeps Residents Strong On Their Feet

Celebrating March Into Balance, Sedgebrook senior living community is in the midst of its annual Balance Challenge with the objective of keeping residents strong on their feet! The Balance Challenge is an initiative of the National Institute of Fitness and Sports (NIFS).

Ruth Reyna, fitness manager at Sedgebrook said that the Balance Challenge begins with residents completing a pre-program survey that asks how they feel about balance and falling. "They then go through an entire month of different programs that promote improving balance and preventing falls. It's a full array of different activities." These include special balance exercises, balance stations in the fitness center, balance circuit classes, fall prevention lectures, and more. "All of our classes, throughout the year, have a balance component. This is just intensified during the Balance Challenge program," Reyna said.

New this year, is the introduction of a tai chi class. "Tai chi is excellent for balance and so I brought the program in to increase our balance options. It's also great for flexibility, mind/body connection, depression… really for everything! I had 43 people attend the demo and now a weekly class that's growing," said Reyna.

Balance can of course be negatively impacted by issues with vision, hearing, medication and neurological conditions. "But what we've noticed is that when you work on and practice balance, it helps you stay upright. The more you practice, the better you become," said Reyna.

The importance of balance is easily overlooked, but Reyna said it's vital, and a part of every fitness activity at Sedgebrook. "We work on cardio, flexibility and strength training, but balance is an important part of every class," she said. "It's so important to maintain the strength in your core and legs, because these are what hold you up."

At the end of the Balance Challenge, the residents will once again, complete a survey about how they feel about balance and falling. "They feel more confident in their ability to maintain balance, and their fears are less because of it. This really makes a difference, and helps reinforce the importance of continually working on and practicing balance," Reyna said. "At Sedgebrook, we are dedicated to helping residents remain strong so that they can continue to enjoy their independence and embrace all of the programs and activities that we offer."

Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.