Tailoring Senior Exercise to Individual Need

'Losing our body is like losing our best friend,' said Larry Prescott, who runs Grand Villa of Largo. He tells caregivers that exercise needs to be adapted to a senior's needs.

As people age they tend to stay at home and get less exercise through daily  activities, such as trips to the grocery store, said Larry Prescott, executive director of Grand Villa of Largo. "The fear of falling, pain from arthritis and neuropathy of the feet, and not recouping as quickly from illnesses often keep people from exercising," Prescott said. Exercise needs to be adapted to the individual's needs. "Person-centered exercise takes the time to determine individual needs. It is completely focused on our residents and what is going to make their life enriched," Prescott said. "Losing our body is like losing our best friend. It can be very depressing and can inhibit motivation to do anything," Prescott said. The key is having the right…

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Stroller Strides Gets Moms Rolling With Their Exercise Program

This full-body workout is available across the Tampa Bay area.

Workout clothes and water bottles are standard for any exercise class, of course. But children and strollers, too? Not so much. Except in the case of Stroller Strides. Stroller Strides is a full-body workout program that moms can do with their babies. There are more than 1,200 locations spread across 44 states, including several franchises in the greater Tampa Bay area.  Instructor Jenni Crafton runs the New Tampa Stroller Strides. “It’s fitness for mom, and it’s fun for babies,” Crafton said, just moments before leading a gaggle of moms and babies on an hour-long workout at a local subdivision’s community park. Stroller Strides workouts last an hour and instructors put participants through various cardio, strength and core exercises, all …

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Train for the Shamrock'n Run 5K in Largo

Planning to run a 5k like Largo's Shamrock'n Run? Here are, key training tips and strategies from an expert personal trainer and running specialist. Plus, there's a group training program starting soon right here in Largo.

Is running or more exercise one of your New Year's resolutions? Training for a 5k is a great way to boost your cardiovascular health, reduce stress or simply add more running to your routine. Largo's Shamrock'n Run is on March 15. If you would like to train for a race right here in Largo, Highland Recreation has a group training program, which starts Jan. 23. Participants will meet for group runs and will get homework and training information. Shamrock'n Run training classes will meet every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at 400 Highland Ave. Cost is $40 for residents, $50 for non-residents. Fee includes race registration. Call (727) 518-3016 for more information. A 5K, or 3.1 miles, is perfect for beginners, but it does take some training to gain …

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Don't Call It Exercise; It's Too Much Fun

Gardening, chair-exercises, and balloon volleyball are a few of the exercise options available for seniors.

The New Year is a time when many people start thinking about getting fit and exercising and it’s no different for seniors. As seniors age, remaining active becomes increasingly important. Senior living communities and caregivers should consider looking beyond traditional physical therapy options to keep seniors engaged and active.              Seniors are most receptive to physical therapy when caregivers and their therapists develop individualized plans that fit both their lifestyle and interests. Research shows that it is difficult to motivate seniors to begin to exercise if it hasn’t previously been a priority. Integrating modified, low-impact activities, like yoga, into seniors’ exercise plans increases the likelihood that they will …

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High Tech Game Room Planned for New Highland Recreation Complex

The Largo City Commission approved the purchase of electronic-exercise equipment for the new Highland Recreation Complex.

The proposed new Highland Recreation Complex will have a special electronic-exercise gameroom for children and adults. The Largo City Commission approved the purchase of the equipment for $89,711 from The Active Gaming Company on Dec. 4. The new recreation complex on Highland Avenue is on track for completion in May. "The room will be filled with equipment that is fun and gets people exercising," said Recreation, Parks and Arts Director Joan Byrne. "The whole point is getting people moving and forgetting that they're exercising," Byrne said. The new interactive gameroom will be the first one like it in Pinellas County, city officials said. The exercise room will include  Lightspace floor and wall equipment. The pressure-sensitive displays …

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New Recreation Area for Adults at Largo Central Park

Largo's new Fitness Zone opens officially today at 10:30 a.m.

Kids are not the only ones who can have fun and exercise at Largo Central Park. A new Fitness Zone for adults opens Oct. 23 at 10:30 a.m. The community is invited to the opening ceremony. The Fitness Zone offers 21 workout stations including an elliptical cross trainer, sit-up benches, and vertical press machines. The shaded adult exercise area is sandwiched between the Largo Cultural Center and the children's playground. It gets people active and working out. It gives parents the option to keep active while they watch their kids, Parks Superintendent Greg Brown said. For more information, visit LargoParks.com or call (727)586-7415. The park has a sign with rules and guidelines for using the new fitness area. The equipment was paid for …

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Boot Camps Workouts Start this Week in Largo

Looking for a change to your workout? Check out these options around Largo.

Get Fit For Fall!

The Fit-A-Thon is Saturday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Highland Recreation Complex.

Need some new exercise options? Want some encouragement on living a healthy lifestyle? Consider the Fit-A-Thon at the Highland Recreation Complex on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Fitness instructors will demonstrate their classes and give participants the opportunity to try a variety of exercises. Enjoy free goodies, get new healthy recipes, try a chair massage, learn stress reduction tips and more. Kids who attend will get free school supplies. Editor's Note: Thanks to the City of Largo for this information.

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Living Well

How to Get Back in Shape

Was your New Year's resolution to lose weight? Find out how you can make small changes to reach your goals. Fitness trainer, Cyndi Fickes, owner of The Gym, says adopt a fitness mindset for a healthy lifestyle.

Now that 2010 is over, most of us are assessing our activities and deciding our New Year's Resolutions. What did we accomplish? Did we reach our goals? After indulging in holiday feasts and treats, weight loss ranks high on many people's lists. The additional activities and parties can wreck our fitness routines, and we find ourselves a few pounds heavier. What's the best way to get healthier? Make a realistic goal. Sometimes, we're so excited about our new resolution, that we set unattainable goals. If you're sedentary, make a goal to walk three times a week, or for 15-minutes at a time. If you're more active, don't jump to a triathlon in three weeks. Think of a reasonable and attainable goal. When you reach it, then you can gradually …

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