In addition to being adventurous, scuba diving has many benefits to individuals of all ages. It is the only sport in the world without gravity. Consequently, divers are able to experience an expanded range of motion, improved circulation, and the ability to enjoy being weightless and active under water.

Senior program fitness leader Jillian Patti said that the program as always, was well-received. One participant who had previously been reluctant to get her hair wet, enjoyed herself so much that she has the makings of becoming an avid diver.

Bill has been a dedicated member of the fitness center since 2005!  He works out regularly in the fitness center, swimming pool and participates in various events on campus – he is also one of the high scorers in the bowling league.

Bill doesn’t allow any obstacles to prevent him from living life to the fullest.  He attempts every opportunity that comes his way and succeeds in all that he tries.  Some of the events that Bill has participated in are the Silver Games, Free Throw Competition, scuba diving, and bowling.

In addition to his fitness participation, Bill is also on the Building Ops committee, serving as Chairman, the Resident Counsel, Men’s Group, and buddies with new residents.  He has also been married to his lovely wife Shirley for 67 years!  Keep up the good work Bill Downing!

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Silver Games 2010 Registration Form

Since Elaine has been such an active exerciser, we asked her what she enjoys most about working out. She replied, “I enjoy the way I feel while I am working out on the machines and how good I feel for days after.” She also continues to challenge herself on the NuStep machine to improve her endurance and strengthen her heart.

In addition to fitness, Elaine is very involved with quilting on and off Friendship Village’s campus. She belongs to a quilt club, Project Linus to make blankets for children in hospitals, and Care Cap Crusaders for people that have lost their hair due to illness. Other activities come from her large family; with 10 grandchildren there is always something going on!

Great job Elaine and keep up the good work!

Her weekly routine consists of two land exercise classes, daily walking with the Walking Club and five visits a week to the swimming pool.  Her fitness schedule could be difficult for a 20-year old!

Julia’s dedication to fitness has been part of her success since moving to Friendship Village when she vowed to make exercise part of her daily routine.  The other part of her success is her positive outlook.  When you see her, whether it is in the hallways, dining room or exercise, she is always smiling and full of energy.

Way to go, Julia!

Kay Schmidt

Kay moved into Friendship Village in June, 1996.  At the time, there was not an established fitness program so she volunteered to lead group exercise classes for three years until professional staff was hired.

In the past, Kay has had two hip replacements, a broken shoulder, and like many residents battles the pains of Arthritis. She insists that everyone should exercise no matter what age or problems they may have.  Her dedication has placed Kay on the Fitness Honor Roll the past two months since she utilizes the Fitness Center on a daily basis.

In addition to using both fitness centers and various exercise classes, she has also been the chairperson of the Fitness and Wellness Committee for the last two years.  Her commitment and dedication to fitness is an example of how older adults can remain active and healthy; even into their 100’s!

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.