Proof that you can go back

Rietta Kasch set a goal for herself back in the spring of 2008. After breaking her hip in the fall of 2006 and moving from Briarwood to The Willows Assisted Living, she decided to join the Fitness Center. She wanted to get strong enough to relocate to a residential living apartment one day.

Rietta, 78, achieved her goal in September, following a year and a half of workouts. Now settling into her new Dogwood apartment home, Rietta continues a busy workout schedule, while volunteering for Project Linus, making blankets for sick children.

“I wanted more freedom and flexibility,” she says.

On her doctor’s advice, Rietta started working out two days a week at the Fitness Center located just off the Bridgegate Atrium. Exercise physiologist, Kyle Zelazny, convinced her to add two more workouts to her weekly routine by attending the “Sit and Stay Fit” classes in Friendship Hall.

“That’s the most fun,” Rietta says, “because Kyle is so congenial.” She also enjoys the “Better Balance” class with Jillian Patti.

Kyle says all the exercise has made Rietta’s legs much stronger and given her much more confidence while moving around the campus. “She tries to reach her personal best with every workout,” he says.

Rietta’s most recent fitness accomplishment was making the September Fitness Honor Roll – along with 31 other residents — for recording more than 18 visits during that month. She still prefers to work out at the Bridgegate Fitness Center, but says she gets over to the Bridgewater Place Fitness Center on Saturdays.