Live 2 B Healthy offers new fi tness
program for seniors in Howard Lake
Residents at Good Samaritan Society in Howard Lake stretch with instructor Tess Brezina.
EMILY BYWATERS
Correspondent
A new Live 2 Be Healthy program began in How-
ard Lake in June, providing seniors with an opportu-
nity to exercise and be active within the comfort of
their residence.
This program, created specifi cally with the elderly
in mind, focuses on the individuals within the group,
rather than a rigorous training that may or may not
apply to all the participants. It is offered primarily to
the residents of Good Samaritan Society, but seniors
from the community are also welcome.
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:30
a.m., a certifi ed athletic instructor visits the residents
and assists them in becoming stronger, more fl exible,
and overall, healthier.
“I have seen the same people coming out for the
program and they look forward to it. They love in-
structor Tess. She does a great job of interacting with
the participants and adapting the exercises to the par-
ticipants ‘abilities,” said Quality of Life Coordinator
Sara Fasching.
The program promotes healthy living, socializa-
tion, and just general fun.
“They’re excited to come to class, and I’ve had
some of them tell me different progress . . . like, one
of the ladies noticed that when she’s walking with her
PHOTO BY EMILY BYWATERS
walker, she’s no longer leaning on it, she’s actually
standing and walking,” trainer Tess Brezina said.
On average, the program attracts 10 or more se-
niors each session.
The participants themselves also noted positive
changes since the class began.
“The exercise is very helpful,” Shirley, a resident at
the facility, commented.
The Live 2 Be Healthy program began in 2008,
founded by owner Cory Czepa. He began the pro-
gram as a one-man operation, bringing fi tness and
exercise to seniors across Minnesota. In 2010, his
idea became a franchise, and now offers classes in a
dozen states and 250 communities.
Representatives visit assisted living communities,
independent living communities, 55-plus communi-
ties, and many more.
Twice a year, a test is administered to better tailor
the classes to the participants.
The program has many benefi ts, but the most no-
table is based on studies on resistance training – it
actually has been proven to slow dementia, according
to supporters.
To learn more about the program, contact the
Good Samaritan Society in Howard Lake at 320-543-
3800.
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Senior
Connections September 2018
5