In the realm of senior living, Grand Living stands as a beacon of holistic wellness—a sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit converge in harmony. Today, it’s not just about providing comfortable accommodations; it’s about fostering vibrant lifestyles that encompass health, wellness, and joy. Grand Living stands at the forefront of this evolution, offering a variety of fitness programs to enhance the lives of its residents. At the heart of this oasis lies not just a state-of-the-art gym, but a group of dedicated Fitness Directors and Coordinators—visionaries of vitality, architects of well-being.
These full-time stewards are more than instructors; they are mentors, guides, and companions on each resident’s fitness journey. Well-trained, knowledgeable, and deeply engaged, these Fitness gurus possess an innate understanding of residents’ needs, crafting tailored experiences that elevate and enrich. From Makenna Hendrickson, Fitness Coordinator of Grand Living at Bridgewater (Coralville, Iowa), “At Grand Living, our fitness programs cater to all, regardless of fitness level. Each class is thoughtfully crafted to individual abilities, ensuring everyone is appropriately challenged. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where residents feel comfortable and inspired to improve their health while having fun working out alongside others. “
Within the Grand Spa and Fitness Center, residents embark on journeys of self-discovery, guided by these luminaries of vitality. As Shayda Landi, Fitness Director of Grand Living at Riverstone (Sugar Land, TX) says, “I passionately believe in the transformative power of staying active and healthy, regardless of age or stage in life. Witnessing residents’ increased drive and enthusiasm for fitness classes and observing their enhanced happiness and well-being from the outcomes, fuels my motivation to continually elevate their experience.“
Here, amidst a tapestry of fitness programs, the foundation of wellness is laid.
Core Fitness Offerings: Strength, Balance, and Beyond*
Tai Chi: An ancient art finds modern expression, as residents engage in slow, graceful movements to enhance balance, circulation, and mood.
Balance Mastery: Empowering residents to embrace life’s every step with confidence, with targeted exercises designed for strength and fall prevention.
Cardio Strength: A fusion of cardio and strength exercises, tailored for all fitness levels, igniting muscle endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
Core Strength: Strengthening the body’s stabilizers for balance, posture, and strength, whether seated or on the floor.
Gentle Yoga Flow: A multi-level yoga class is designed to teach yoga basics offering modifications with mindful transitions. Breathwork and balance poses are incorporated to stretch and strengthen the body, calm, and center the mind.
Yet, the canvas of well-being at Grand Living is vast, and our Fitness leaders offer more than the average exercise routines. Like all our Fitness Directors, Myra O’ Coin (Grand Living at Naples, FL, with over 30 years of master personal trainer and elite fitness instructor), can effectively develop customized wellness programs, some of which are outlined below.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Wellness, One Step at a Time*
Fitness Dynamic Drumming: A symphony of rhythm and motion, where drumsticks become wands of empowerment, unlocking hidden reserves of strength and joy. Mark Marron, Lakewood Ranch Fitness Director regularly has Dynamic Drumming classes. He says, “The best part of my job is being with the residents. There is never a day I am not excited to come to work. I take pride in my ability to not only make fitness fun for the residents but make the classes fun for me to teach!”
Rock Steady Boxing: A unique exercise program, based on training used by boxing pros, and adapted to people with Parkinson’s disease. It involves stretching, cardiovascular exercises, gait and posture training, balance and strength work, and lots of shadow and bag boxing. Daniel Tirado, Fitness Director at Grand Living at Tamaya likes to teach Rock Steady Boxing. He says, “The best part of my job is the relationships I’ve built with the residents and their families. To be entrusted with the well-being of their loved ones is an awesome privilege.”
Pedal the World: A virtual expedition through distant lands, beckoning residents to explore, dream, and discover—all from the saddle of their stationary pedals.
Aqua Fitness: More than just splashes in the pool, this water resistance cardio and weight-bearing exercise program transcends boundaries, engaging muscles and spirits alike in the gentle embrace of buoyancy.
Chair Sports: The sports rotate based on the week, but all sports encourage fun competition and work on hand-eye coordination and range of motion in legs and arms.
SMARTfit® Technology: The Path to Cognitive Vitality
At the heart of Grand Living’s fitness arsenal lies SMARTfit® technology—a beacon of cognitive vitality. Through gamified neuro-rehab and brain health programs, residents engage in activities designed to enhance memory, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. Whether embarking on solo quests or joining small groups, residents unlock the keys to sharper minds and agile bodies.
Outdoor Adventures: Embracing Nature’s Bounty
However, fitness at Grand Living isn’t confined to four walls—it spills beyond, into the open embrace of nature. Residents are encouraged to breathe the fresh air, to feel the sun’s warmth upon their faces, and to revel in the beauty of shared experiences. Group walking, cycling, pickleball—the options are endless, limited only by the bounds of imagination.
At Grand Living, fitness isn’t just about reps and routines; it’s about keeping the mind, body, and spirit connected and thriving every day. It’s about fostering a community where wellness isn’t a destination, but a way of life—a journey of self-discovery, shared laughter, and boundless possibility. Together, we embark on this odyssey, charting courses unknown, as we sculpt the masterpiece of our collective well-being—one step, one breath, one heartbeat at a time. Welcome to Grand Living—where wellness knows no bounds, and every day is an adventure in vitality.
*Grand Living Fitness programs vary by each community and may change at any time. Visit any Grand Living community to see our Grand Spa and Fitness Centers and all the rich amenities we offer. To schedule your exclusive and Grand Tour, click here.
