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New National Functional Fitness Program Developed for The Goodman Group Managed Communities Holds Local Pedalthons.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Sept. 4, 2014) — Residents of Chandler Place and St. Anthony Heath Center, Goodman Group managed senior living communities, are pedaling toward fitness during Active Aging Week! The International Council on Active Aging^® (ICAA) is challenging organizations throughout North America to come up with ways to motivate older adults to stay active and benefit from healthier lifestyles. The two communities have accepted the challenge and are hosting Pedalthons on September 22 in conjunction with the company’s national FIT Functional Fitness^™ program.

FIT Functional Fitness^™ is a personalized program developed by The Goodman Group in partnership with a physical therapist and board-certified geriatric specialist. The program’s targeted exercises are designed to deliver the maximum benefit for each participant. The goal is to increase overall health and well–being, reduce potential for falls, encourage residents to remain active, and, where possible, reduce the need for assisted mobility devices.

FIT Functional Fitness^™ incorporates four fitness programs
, taking current health levels into consideration and allowing all residents participate, no matter their current functional fitness level. As their strength and endurance increases, residents may choose to progress to other programs offered. The four FIT Functional Fitness^™ programs include:

• FIT to be Strong^™ – The core of the FIT Functional Fitness^™ program, FIT to be Strong incorporates strength building exercises done lying down, and balance exercises while standing. Both use weights on the arms and legs.
• FIT to be Strong Seated^™ – Strength building exercises using weights while sitting in a chair.
• FIT to Stretch^™ – Stretching exercises aimed at decreasing pain, improving range of motion, while promoting relaxation.
• FIT to Pedal^™ – Endurance-based exercise where participants use a stationary peddler.

“Research shows that with regular exercise, many of the physiological changes related to aging can be prevented or postponed,” says Katie Westberg, national director of Life Enrichment at The Goodman Group. “With FIT Functional Fitness^™, participants can see long-lasting and significant strength training benefits within an 8-16 week period.”

The annual theme for Active Aging Week 2014 (Sept. 21-27) is “Let the Adventure Begin.” Residents of Chandler Place and St. Anthony Health Center who are currently participating in FIT Functional Fitness^™ will pedal as they watch video of the fall foliage along The Great River Road to reach the Gulf of Mexico, their ultimate adventure destination. Participants’ mileage will be combined. Friends, family and staff will be there to cheer on participants.

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