Oak Crest Fitness Amenities Help Residents Achieve Wellness Goals

Parkville, Maryland--In November, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources issued new physical fitness guidelines and noted that only a third of Americans can meet the standards.

Don’t tell this to residents of Oak Crest, an Erickson Living retirement community in Parkville!

In 2018, residents utilized the newly expanded fitness center and redesigned aquatics center in record numbers. On average each month, more than 350 individual residents visit the gym as part of their personalized wellness regimen. They enjoy not only the latest cardio and strength equipment, much of it with virtual reality technology, but also an option for supervised sessions with certified trainers.

Group classes at Oak Crest are also very popular, including Joint Mobility, Yoga and Stretch & Aerobics. In the pool, residents socialize as they take a variety of aquatic classes like Aqua Stretch and Aerobics & Sea Sculpt.

New Year’s Resolutions

According to a recent study by the University of Scranton, nearly 50 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions fall short after just three months.

Of course, “getting in shape” is always one of the most popular promises made by Americans every January, yet it’s one of the most challenging to maintain.

Julie Sega serves as the Fitness Manager at Oak Crest. She holds an M.S. in Exercise Science and a certification in yoga (RYT 200).

For those who are looking to begin an exercise regimen in 2019, she recommends that you consult with a physician first. Once cleared, Julie offers the following advice:

• Be mentally and physically ready to take the first step.
• Commit to the lifestyle by making exercise a part of your regular schedule.
• Make it fun! Do what you like to do or know you will keep doing, either on your own or with friends in a group setting.

First-hand Success

Ms. Pat Riley moved to Oak Crest from Kingsville in 2009, a retired teacher who worked at the Maryland School for the Blind.

An active member of the Catholic Faith Community, Ms. Riley maintains a twice-per-week regimen at Oak Crest’s fitness center, one session with fitness coordinator Renee Hill and the other session on her own. Her work-outs combine cardio and strength training.

“Staying in shape has always been a priority throughout my life so this is a great fit at Oak Crest,” said Ms. Riley. “I’ve always been a stickler for correct technique, and that’s why working directly with Renee has been such a pleasure. We continually revise my personal wellness plan.”

Ms. Riley also enjoys the re-vamped fitness center because of the “variety of equipment and additional space. There is something for everyone.”

Why does she make the time for physical fitness?

“Maintaining an exercise program makes me feel healthy and strong, which is important because I like to be involved in many pursuits like volunteering,” described Ms. Riley. “When I finish a session, I am energized and happy.”

About Oak Crest: Oak Crest, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 87-acre campus in Parkville, Maryland. The community is located in Baltimore County and is home to more than 2,100 residents. Additional information about Oak Crest can be found at OakCrestCommunity.com.