Fitness Is Fun at Cedar Crest

At Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., fitness is convenient and fun!

With three fitness centers across campus and a centrally located aquatics center, residents can choose from close to 30 exercise classes during any given week.

"Our 'traditional' classes that focus on stretching, toning, strength training, and balance are well attended," says Fitness Manager Stacey Myers-Smith. "But our more unique classes, like tai chi, qigong, gyrokinesis, aquacize, and cardio drumming, are also really popular."

This variety of accessible, energetic classes is what keeps residents excited about caring for their well-being.

"Unlike living in a house, you don't have to get in the car and drive to the fitness center. You just walk to class, never having to go outside," says Myers-Smith, pointing to the community's climate-controlled walkways, which connect buildings across campus.

Range of options

Many exercise classes are led by Cedar Crest's trained fitness staff.

"The Stretch and Tone class is led by a member of our team and can easily be tailored to residents' abilities," says Myers-Smith. "Some residents make it more challenging by adding heavier weights, but workouts don't need to be intense to see benefit; consistency matters far more than intensity."

The cardio drumming class, taught by Fitness Coordinator Kelly Loofbourrow, is especially popular. Residents use drumsticks to hit stability balls that are held steady by large buckets. By synchronizing their drumbeats to music, residents incorporate movement, rhythm, and cardio into their workout.

"That class is highly attended. Residents really enjoy it," Myers-Smith says. "It's a great workout. Kelly has them moving up and down, raising their drumsticks overhead. It's suitable for all fitness levels, as she can adapt the movements to accommodate a resident's injury or limitation."

And then there's gyrokinesis, a gentle, whole body movement class, stimulating the nervous system and increasing range of motion.

'Listen to your body'

Tai chi and qigong, two other gentle movement classes offered at Cedar Crest, are led by resident An Chen. An learned these ancient Asian forms of exercise and meditation as a young girl in China, where she was a champion swimmer.

"While we were training for swimming, we learned tai chi and qigong--traditional techniques to keep ourselves more flexible and strong," recalls An, who later designed joint prosthetics for hips and knees during her career as a mechanical engineer.

She brought her knowledge of the human body and meditative forms of movement to Cedar Crest, where she began teaching tai chi and qigong soon after moving there in 2020.

"One day, I was swimming in the pool, and a friend says, 'We want a tai chi class. Can you teach that?'" she remembers. "I said, 'Sure! I can teach tai chi and qigong.' They are training for balance, which is so good for older people."

Tai chi and qigong combine slow, flowing movements with mindfulness, measured breathing techniques, and relaxation. Both can aid in improving balance, strength, flexibility, and mood.

"Meditation can be learned and is very good for your health," An says. "How do you control your mind? Your brain? Your heart? Today, we are busy, busy, busy. We forget that our body is like a car. When the engine is too hot, you have to shut it down, let it cool."

She adds, "It's very important to take the time to slow down and listen to your body."

Personalized approach

At the heart of Cedar Crest's wellness offerings is the impressive fitness center, equipped with top-notch strength and cardio machines as well as free weights, balls, and bands.

If you're looking for a more personalized approach, one-on-one training sessions with the community's fitness staff are available at the fitness center.

For those new to the fitness center, Myers-Smith and her team provide orientations on what each machine targets and how to use them. They can also recommend an introductory exercise plan, based on each resident's abilities and goals.

Movement matters

With so many classes and exercise equipment readily available, residents are experiencing health benefits such as better sleep, less anxiety, improved heart health, lower blood pressure, strong bones, and better balance.

"Staying physically active and engaging with others is extremely important for seniors," says Myers-Smith. "Whether you're interested in a gentle workout with tai chi or our challenging Boot Camp Express class, you'll benefit from movement and socialization."

She adds, "Most importantly, we want residents to have fun!"

To learn more about independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Susan Ingram