How Meadow Ridge Residents Keep Moving Through the Coldest Months

It’s easy during the colder months to look outside at a gray sky and decide to cozy up with a book instead of getting in the daily exercise routine. But that’s not the case at Meadow Ridge, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Redding, Conn., where residents remain committed to fitness year round—even getting outside as much as they can.

Getting outside has tremendous health benefits for everyone, seniors included, as does exercise. “Stepping outside for just 10 minutes a day helps with staying grounded, getting some vitamin D, and improving one’s mood,” says Marianne Patralia, Meadow Ridge Health Fitness Specialist. But preparation is critical, especially in the late winter and early spring where one day’s sunshine can quickly lead to the next day’s sheet of ice.

“Common sense goes a long way when it comes to navigating outdoor activity in the colder months,” says Patralia. “Bring a friend and a phone and change up timing. Wait for the warmer part of the day to reduce the risk of encountering black ice or maybe skip the forest trail and opt for a paved area or sidewalk.”

Louise Klump leads the Meadow Ridge hiking group which, “meets regularly, every Friday morning year-round, weather permitting.” Meadow Ridge sits on 136 acres and is surrounded by wooded hiking trails, which the group enjoys as often as possible. They often go on excursions, “somewhere within a 20-minute drive of Meadow Ridge, on trails in nearby open spaces or parks,” or even through area neighborhoods. The goal for Klump is to keep moving, so on the most inclement days, “I exercise in the Meadow Ridge Fitness Center or walk all the Meadow Ridge hallways.”

Frank Banister’s two Airedales make sure he gets outside every day, without fail.“We go on a 30 to 45 minute walk every morning,” he says, noting that 10 to 15 minutes of that are usually spent at the Meadow Ridge dog park. “Even in the cold mornings, I get bundled up. The air is crisp and it invigorates them. I love being outdoors and I love the morning. It’s restorative for me,” he says. While he’s cautious of the conditions, “It’s part of my exercise route to get out and do that walk.”

There’s no shortage of ways to stay active at Meadow Ridge. From the state-of-the-art fitness center and pool to an indoor driving range, and classes like yoga, Pilates, and strength and balance training, exercise on campus is guided by Patralia and Fitness Manager Jaime Silverman—certified fitness and nutrition professionals.

“I work out in the Meadow Ridge fitness center several times a week,” says resident Bill Bruce. “We have machines, a great weight room and people like Jamie who can give you good advice,” says Bruce. “Additionally, I take the Pilates class that the community offers on a weekly basis.”

Once spring arrives in earnest and the threat of rain and snow subsides, residents will be able to take advantage of the full range of outdoor activities, like bocce, tennis, croquet, golf and pickleball. Until then, Patralia says any kind of movement is good for the body and mind. “You can walk the miles of hallways we have on campus or stay home, turn up the music, and dance!”