Having Fun with Fitness at The Grandview

The Grandview, an Erickson Senior Living community in Bethesda, Md., is excited to welcome Fitness Manager Igor Andelkovic.

Andelkovic, who has a bachelor's degree in physical education and over 14 years of experience in senior fitness, is already loving helping residents maintain an active lifestyle.

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"Working in fitness at The Grandview is my dream job!" he says. "Since The Grandview is relatively new, I had the freedom to create programs from scratch. I've developed classes to improve balance, strength, and flexibility."

He adds, "Offering fun, engaging exercise classes that keep residents moving is so rewarding."

Range of classes

Having worked at senior living communities in the past, Andelkovic had a general idea of what exercise classes would resonate with residents of The Grandview.

"Before I started, I had programs and classes planned out in my mind. So far, everyone likes every single class," he says, with a smile. "For some of the classes, 40 residents attend, which is the maximum that we can accommodate. As a result, we've started offering duplicate classes, which is a good problem to have!"

Some of the most popular classes focus on balance, band resistance, and stability. He also offers classes specifically tailored for residents with Parkinson's or arthritis.

"We offer also yoga, Zumba, tai chi, and a stretching class that has become very popular," notes Andelkovic. "Residents are really interested in fitness."

Impressive amenities

His first day on the job, Andelkovic was blown away by the community's state-of-the-art fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment and studio spaces for classes.

"The fitness center is just beautiful! Residents have everything they need to stay active," he says. "The fitness center is also very popular. Residents are here working out all the time."

In addition to the spacious fitness center, Andelkovic hopes to hold some classes at The Grandview's Rock Spring Urban Park and start a walking group, which will take strolls along the community's walking paths.

The Grandview also boasts indoor pickleball courts and outdoor bocce courts, both of which are highly popular with residents.

Showing up, every day

One of the things Andelkovic loves most about his job is seeing how much residents have improved their overall well-being by showing up, every day.

"It's gratifying to watch residents get stronger and more confident in their exercise routines," he says. "In fact, several residents have commented that they now take the stairs instead of the elevator since they started working out more often."

One resident he worked with was using a wheelchair when they met. Over the course of six months, thanks to Andelkovic's support, the resident progressed to only using a cane occasionally.

Another resident came to Andelkovic with back issues and noted that surgery might be needed. However, within three months of working together, the resident's doctor said he no longer needed the surgery.

"Residents here are serious about their health and fitness. They simply want to get stronger and feel better," says Andelkovic.

"They are so dedicated, and they really appreciate the support we offer. That motivates me to show up for them and continue to offer programs they're interested in."

Active at home

When he's not busy working with residents at The Grandview, Andelkovic enjoys spending time with his wife and their two young children at their home in Gaithersburg, Md. Keeping up with two little ones is also a workout!

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Gregory J. Alexander