A change in pace

For many, the lifestyle change that comes with retirement means time and freedom to pick up hobbies left behind during your years of working and raising a family. Many of us dream of lazy days on the dock, fishing pole in hand, or traversing the world, taking in the sights. 

It sounds appealing, doesn’t it? 

But even the most leisurely activities take some effort. Walking on a floating dock, or spending the day touring the sights involve physical activity—you need balance to negotiate the swaying dock, and endurance to hit all the top spots on your bucket list. 

As we age, and we spend less time on our physical fitness, the risks increase substantially. Forget about a weekend at the lake—climbing into the bathtub can become a risk before you’ve realized it, and a reduction in physical activity can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, injuries, and may also introduce a host of other health issues. 

While it's natural to slow down after retirement—and though many seniors continue to defy stereotypes by running marathons and setting records—the reality is that most older adults struggle to maintain regular physical activity. Sometimes it's as simple as fitness “not being their thing,” or facing barriers like mobility challenges or difficulty travelling to attend a group class regularly.

Despite the challenges, the benefits of daily physical activity are well-documented, but all too often, easier said than done. So, how can we incorporate physical activity as our abilities and endurance change? Does exercise have to be an all-or-nothing approach? Do we have to simply grin and bear it while counting the minutes until it’s over? 

It’s all fun and games

For residents at Trinity Lodge, getting 20 minutes of activity looks different for everyone. There’s a variety daily fitness classes like the slower-paced daily seated exercise class, ideal for residents beginning a new fitness routine, to the action-packed Drum Fit, a popular workout using drum sticks to tap along to the beat. Sessions are packed with residents who join in daily.  

For residents who enjoy active living for its social aspects, the Life Enrichment team hosts weekly games like axe throwing, and horse races that get people moving in between bouts of laughter and camaraderie. Trinity’s Life Enrichment Manager, Melanie Balterocruz, often leads residents through their daily fitness routines. “Group fitness classes are a great motivator,” she explains. “Residents look forward to spending time together, socializing and encouraging one another, and celebrating each other’s achievements. The social connection is just as beneficial as the physical activity. And when it comes to the games—it’s all about fun and a little friendly competition. Everyone really brings their A-game!”

Timing is everything 

At Garrison Green, the fitness studio is alive with energy as Registered Kinesiologist Darian Ymbang leads a series of morning classes tailored for residents of all abilities. From seated exercises to weight training, everyone is encouraged to participate and modify movements to match their comfort and fitness levels.

For residents seeking a more personalized approach, one-on-one sessions with Darian are available right in the community—either using the studio’s equipment, or in the privacy of home. He collaborates with residents to develop custom programs that address goals such as injur, y recovery, improved balance, flexibility, and overall well-being.

“Most residents join group fitness a couple of times a week,” says Darian. “But many also choose to work with me individually, whether it's for rehab, mobility, balance, or simply feeling better day to day. We can tailor the sessions to be as short as 15 minutes or go for a full hour—whatever works best for them.” Darian adds, “Having flexible options makes starting and maintaining an active lifestyle feel more approachable. It also encourages residents to keep challenging themselves. We see the benefits of their overall progress over time, and it is really motivating.”

Reaping the rewards

Kera Redlack, Vice President of Wellness and Employee Engagement at United shares how residents benefit from daily exercise: “Physical activity is about more than just getting your steps in—it plays a key role in preventing falls, speeding up recovery from injuries, and supporting heart health. Just as important, joining classes helps residents stay motivated and build meaningful friendships.” Kera continues, “The social side is often the most rewarding—residents love sharing their progress and cheering each other on. For many residents, they attend classes every day now that they live in the community, when they wouldn’t have if they were living on their own. It’s so much more than just an exercise class.”

No matter if you’re a seasoned athlete, or you’re taking your first steps toward new fitness goals, making your move to a United Active Living community can set you in the right direction. Here, you’ll find the support, connection, motivation, and personalized programs to keep you on track and moving forward. Come see how United can help you go the distance—your way!