Ashby Ponds Introduces VitalCore Fitness Program

In November 2025, Fitness Coordinator Sarah Hall held a competitive fitness event called VitalCore for residents at Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va.

Its overwhelming success led Hall to host a second VitalCore in May, firmly establishing the event as a biannual tradition on campus.

Designed for real life

The first event featured burpees, sandbag walking lunges, farmer's carries, sled pushes, sandbag sit-to-stands, and a 1,000-meter row. Between each strength station, participants completed a .17-mile walk or run lap.

Hall drew inspiration from competitive endurance events while keeping safety and accessibility top of mind. Each exercise was designed to mirror everyday tasks such as lifting, carrying, standing, and sustained walking.

"I looked at functional movement patterns that are best for seniors," Hall explains. "There is a competitive aspect, but VitalCore is about more than winning--it's about building endurance. As a result, residents can gear up for aging rather than playing catch-up."

She adds, "People often think senior fitness means light exercise, but many residents are capable of much more. Some residents even said the weights were too easy and they could have gone heavier!"

For resident Wayne Spruell, participating in VitalCore was both familiar and motivating.

"I was a runner in my younger days, and my wife and I have worked out regularly for the past 20 years. We maintained a gym membership before moving to Ashby Ponds," says Wayne. "I found VitalCore to be a very good workout and more of a personal challenge than a competition. In fact, you are really competing with yourself."

Training for success

In preparation for VitalCore events, residents are encouraged to build strength and stamina through personal training sessions, bootcamp classes, and weightlifting programs. They also receive a detailed itinerary and a walk-through of the course prior to the event.

"The classes Sarah teaches to help train for VitalCore are of higher intensity than many of the other fitness classes at Ashby Ponds," says Wayne.

After participating in the first VitalCore event, resident Kim Finan decided to sign up for personal training sessions to improve upon some of the movements in the program.

"Training for VitalCore has focused my attention on correctly executing exercises," says Kim. "I feel that it has given me the motivation and direction needed to continue to work on whole-body conditioning for a long time into the future."

Range of classes

VitalCore follows on the heels of a growing interest in Ashby Ponds' advanced fitness offerings, including strength-building and performance-based classes.

Kim, who has lived at the community for 11 years, has observed this growth firsthand.

"Over the last three to four years, the fitness program has attracted enough participants to add more challenging classes," says Kim, noting that many residents who attend group classes also sign up for VitalCore events. "We appreciate this challenge that is designed for our fitness level."

She adds, "We are still very physically capable and active!"

In addition to these more challenging classes, Ashby Ponds offers aqua balance, barre, mat yoga, chair yoga, and more. "Fitness has a place for every resident here," says Hall. "Our classes cater to a range of abilities and help residents stay capable, independent, and confident for as long as possible."

"My wife and I appreciate having these kinds of classes and events available," says Wayne. "I feel that physical fitness has played a significant role in my personal well-being."

Sharing the win

As Hall hoped, the first two VitalCore events were a huge success. "People said it was a lot of fun and that they cannot wait for the next one," says Hall, noting that a third VitalCore is already in the works for November.

As VitalCore grows, so does interest from other Erickson Senior Living communities. In fact, Hall recently presented the program at a company regional fitness summit, where other communities expressed interest in launching the program.

When asked about VitalCore, Hall offers a reminder: "The goal is not about competing against others. The goal is to improve strength, endurance, and power alongside friends and neighbors who challenge and support each other."

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

By Kelly Shue