Seniors Find Fitness Program Their Fountain of Youth at The Palace Coral Gables
CORAL GABLES, Fla., April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Eighty-six is the average age of residents exercising at The Palace Coral Gables (www.PalaceCoralGables.com), an upscale senior living community, where many have found their fitness and wellness program to be like a fountain of youth.
"Prior to coming to The Palace, many residents didn't participate in regular exercise so this is all new," said Director of Care Coordination Kathy Garcia-Menocal, RN, ALNC.
Garcia-Menocal learns their medical history, level of functionality, and expectations. She then coordinates with personal trainer, Julian Hevia, and together they tailor fitness programs based on residents' abilities and medical history.
The Wellness programs at The Palace are geared to three different levels: clinical rehabilitation, maintenance, and expert wellness-fitness. For those who need rehabilitation, The Palace staff works with residents' physicians, and physical therapy is provided on-site.
"It's never too late to start exercising. In fact, the older you are, the more you need regular exercise. Our programs help seniors increase muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Studies show that being physically fit lowers heart disease risk even in people who have other health problems," said Hevia.
One of the community's most popular classes is given by Edgar Chavarria. He is a classically-trained ballet dancer who designed 'Barrerobics' based on the New York City Ballet's exercise for dancers.
According to one resident who has lived at The Palace for 17 months, "I go to aerobics class two times a week and take the new Silver Sneakers™ class. Under Julian's guidance, I use the machines and my balance is much better. I enjoy being with people in the fitness center".
Hevia says it's especially rewarding to tailor a program to a person and then see it work.
The Palace offers a wide variety of fitness and wellness programs: Yoga, Tai Chi, Silver Sneakers©, Zumba, Latin Dance, and aqua aerobics and aqua Zumba in The Palace's heated swimming pool. The Wellness Program at The Palace Coral Gables received a Best in Senior Living "Gold" award in 2014 from the National Association of Home Builders.
The Palace Coral Gables is one of eight senior living communities that comprise The Palace Group, which provides upscale living to the over 50 set throughout Florida and Israel.
SOURCE The Palace Coral Gables
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