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

BILLINGS, Mont. (Sept. 18, 2014) — Residents of West Park Village, a Goodman Group managed senior living community, is 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. West Park Village has accepted the challenge and is hosting a Pedalthon on September 25 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 Westpark Village who are currently participating in FIT Functional Fitness, along with staff and guests, will pedal 1000-miles to Lake Tahoe, their ultimate adventure destination. Deciduous forest themed decorations will guide the way, including autumn colors, pumpkins and colorful leaves. Participants’ mileage will be combined to reach the goal of 1000-miles. A plentitude of friends, family, staff and guests will be there to cheer on participants, as Westpark Village’s annual Health Fair will also be taking place on Sept. 25.

Join Monte Vista Village Seniors and Fitness Experts as they Pedal 335 miles to Las Vegas

What:

Active Aging Week, led by the International Council on Active Aging^®, is an annual health promotion held each year during the last week of September. To promote active aging on our health campus, our residents and staff are participating in a first-ever Pedalthon event adventure.

Residents will use our FIT Functional Fitness^™ stationary peddlers as to rack up enough miles to reach Lake Tahoe, their ultimate adventure destination.

Join us and share in the fun of Active Aging Week. Before you know it, we’ll be down the road in the Sierra Nevada mountain range!

When:

Thursday, September 25th
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Pedalthon. Healthy snacks will be served along the way, including yogurt parfaits, home-baked granola bars and fruit.
3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.: Happy hour celebration after the goal is reached recognizing the pedalers with the most miles and for the best exercise outfit — 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Complimentary drinks and appetizers will be served.

Location:

Westpark Village
2351 Solomon Ave
Billings, Mont. 59102
406-652-4886

Visuals:

Residents from the Westpark Village senior living community will be pedaling alongside deciduous forest themed decorations.

Potential Interviews:

Executive Director Tina Vauthier, Life Enrichment Director Kathy Shannon, and participating residents.

National Senior Fitness Contact:

Katie Westberg, national director Life Enrichment, The Goodman Group

Day of Event Contact:

Kathy Shannon, Life Enrichment Director
406-652-4886 (mobile)

FIT is one of several collaborative programs available exclusively to residents of The Goodman Group managed communities to support their well-being.

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