By Mary Beth Baxter
Regular physical activity can positively impact your body and mind in many scientifically proven ways—from keeping your weight under control and improving your balance and range of motion to strengthening your bones, protecting your joints and even helping preserve your brain function. Also, research shows that regular cardiovascular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, depression, and falls.
Kay Springston, a resident at The Carlisle Naples, says she is reaping the many benefits of an active lifestyle. She exercises 5-6 times per week and appreciates the convenience of the Zest ‘mind, body, soul’ wellness classes available onsite at the active retirement community.
“The Qigong class and the instructor are wonderful,” she said. “I go every week. It combines movement with breathing and meditation. I find it very relaxing.”
The Carlisle offers a robust calendar of wellness activities, including SRG’s signature Zest fitness program, Cardio, Strength & Balance™, created to promote the core elements of good health—no matter your age or fitness level. Stretch Fitness, Yoga, and Tai Chi are also offered, as well as Aqua Fitness and Golf Putting, which encourages residents to take advantage of the community’s resort-like setting.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week of moderate-intensity activity for older adults aged 65 and over and suggests talking with your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.
Here are a few additional tips for staying physically active:
Walk to better health: Walking improves cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular function, stiffness, inflammation, and mental stress. According to research, walking may be one of the best exercises for health, and experts recommend a daily goal of 7,500 steps.
Incorporate strength training: Regular strength training can help you feel more confident while doing daily tasks involving bending and lifting, plus improve your bone and muscle density. Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, can be treated and even reversed through resistance-based strength training exercises incorporating kettlebells and resistance bands.
Stay balanced: Many balance or stability problems caused by aging, medication side effects or conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or Multiple Sclerosis respond well to exercises such as balance classes and Tai Chi and Qigong.
Stretch for success: Stretching loosens and strengthens tight muscles, which can affect posture and balance. A study found that stretching five times per week can increase range of motion up to 2.4 degrees per week in each muscle group.
“Movement energizes us, makes us stronger and nurtures our soul,” said The Carlisle’s Executive Director Bill Diamond. “Residents may find their strength and independence improve upon moving to our community. In addition to our fitness center with a variety of choices in equipment, exercise programs and classes, our chef-prepared menu options coupled with FreshZest, which focuses on plant-forward and whole-food entrees, provide numerous choices for residents to lead a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.”
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.TheCarlisleNaples.com