Fitness meets fresh air: How Monarch Landing turns movement into adventure

At many senior living communities, fitness happens in a gym or classroom. At Monarch Landing, fitness specialist Ellen Coman has found ways to transform the entire campus into a place for movement, discovery, and fun.

Drawing inspiration from Monarch Landing’s beautiful grounds, walking paths, and outdoor spaces, Coman designs activities that encourage residents to stay active while enjoying nature, solving puzzles, and connecting with neighbors. The result is a wellness program that often feels more like an adventure than a workout.

One of her newest creations, the Petal Pickup Pursuit, invited residents to walk the perimeter of the campus in search of a bench holding a small foam floral bouquet kit.

Along the route, participants stopped at seven additional benches featuring flower themed riddles. By the time they completed the walk, residents enjoyed exercise, mental stimulation, and a creative take home project.

“It’s a way to make movement feel purposeful and fun,” Coman says. “When people are focused on solving a clue or finding the next stop, they often forget they’re exercising.”

Turning campus walks into games

Last summer, residents explored the campus during a photo scavenger hunt, matching familiar views to cropped and zoomed in images. Many invited grandchildren to join the search, turning the activity into a multigenerational adventure.

In October, the Monarch Haunted Hysteria Walk challenged residents to gather clues and solve a ghostly mystery while making their way around the community.

The Naperville Riddle Walk sent participants on a hunt for hidden letters that unlocked a series of riddles, while another outdoor challenge encouraged residents to collect pieces of a scattered puzzle.

Each activity transforms a simple walk into a purpose driven experience, giving residents a reason to keep moving while enjoying the beauty of the campus.

Bringing fitness indoors

When weather keeps residents inside, Coman brings the same spirit of exploration indoors.

One of her most popular indoor activities was February’s “Guess the Love Quote Author” challenge. Residents visited eight stations throughout the community, where famous love quotes were posted alongside buttons that played recorded staff hints.

After identifying each author, participants collected letters that unscrambled to reveal a love themed word. Quotes included William Shakespeare’s “Love comforteth like sunshine after rain,” and the final answer spelled “Soulmate.”

More than exercise

Coman’s creativity extends beyond scavenger hunts and walking challenges. She also develops incentive programs focused on improving balance, one of the most important components of healthy aging.

By blending fitness with curiosity, nature, friendly competition, and a sense of accomplishment, she helps residents view wellness in a new way. Residents are not simply exercising. They are exploring, solving, discovering, and engaging with the community around them.

At Monarch Landing, a walk around campus might lead to a bouquet, a puzzle, a mystery to solve, or a treasured memory with family. Thanks to Coman’s innovative approach, exercise becomes less about counting steps and more about enjoying the journey.

Monarch Landing/The Springs at Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For additional information, visit WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.