New Technology Giving Local Seniors a Leg Up (Arms too!) on Fitness

Active Older Adults in St. Louis Park now have access to the latest fitness technology designed to reduce pain, increase energy and make a huge impact on overall health and wellness. And, get this, the new technology is so user friendly, it works for all ages. We even have a 101 year-old St. Louis Park resident who uses the equipment frequently!

 

So what is this special gym and where is it located?

 

It is the new addition of the Park Club Fitness Center at Parkshore Senior Campus, a SilverCrest Property in St. Louis Park. The new 1,500 square foot space includes cutting-edge fitness equipment for seniors, particularly those who live with arthritis and joint pain. Here are a few personal stories below about how this gym is changing the lives of local seniors. First, a look at the awe-inspiring technology and how it works:

 

 

• TechnoGym Key System - This is a special key that acts like a personal trainer guiding each senior from one exercise machine to the next while counting reps and marking goals. The Key system keeps track of a person’s workout on each piece of equipment – recording the daily exercises, counting the pounds of weight a person lifts, and the distance they walk and then accumulates it to show the grand total they have walked or biked in comparison to the New York Marathon or the Tour de France.

 

 

• Kinesis by TechnoGym – Cutting-edge technology on this machine allows free range of movement. Kinesis is a 25-foot-long by 8-foot-high flat piece that holds four workout stations called modules. Each module exercises a specific region of the body. There are no restraints of weighted cable equipment and no clank at the end of a movement. Kinesis adapts to each user, no matter their age, ability or movement restrictions. The machine can also simulate real life activities like golf and tennis keeping the full range of motion needed by each sport to build upper and middle body strength.

 

 

• Warm Water Pool - Our zero-entry pool, with a wheelchair accessible ramp is set at 91-degrees. The warm water eases movement and alleviates joint and arthritis pain. Residents can use the pool independently or join one of our many offered classes.

 

 

• Cognitive Stimulation –The cardiovascular equipment such as the treadmills and bikes offer “brain games,” internet, and television to help keep seniors stimulated for the entire workout.

 

“It really is incredible to see the number of seniors taking advantage of the fitness center’s technology and the life-enhancing results they are enjoying,” says Heidi Johnston, Park Club’s  Director of Wellness. “I can’t tell you how many residents are reporting less pain, increased balance and stamina along with more social interactions with others.”

 

We offer classes on land and in the pool. The numbers of residents using the club is increasing each month. The staff cater the assessment and orientation to meet the needs and goals of each resident. It is our mission and purpose to help residents stay as healthy and active as possible. We, at Park Club, are constantly seeking ways to meet their fitness needs.

 

 

Here are a few of our personal stories from St. Louis Park seniors who have used the new Park Club fitness center.

 

• There is a former speed skater (94-years-old) who actually qualified for the Olympics back in 1945! He works out in the gym 3-4 times a week and says the exercise gives him the energy he needs to stay active and volunteer in the community! -  Don
• A woman who swims almost every day and says it has helped tremendously with her arthritis and joint pain.  - Fran
• 101-year-old man who works out regularly on the Sci-Fit recumbent stepper with a seated elliptical that works his arms and legs. - Ed
• One senior reports stronger legs, getting out of her chair is easier too because her arms are stronger. She likes to play backgammon while she is on the treadmill, which she says takes her mind off the exercising.  -Carol
• Another resident is noticing a significant drop in blood pressure since working out regularly at the new gym.  -Ruth