Corporate Fitness and Active Aging

Staff High Five: Tylene Costello

We say it with pride quite regularly, our amazing staff in corporate and senior living fitness centers are what help us serve our clients so well. Their strong educational background in health and fitness helps us set the bar high while their exceptional creativity and relationship building skills allows them to keep their members engaged and asking what’s coming next. Since we have the privilege of getting to know our staff across the country, we thought our followers might like to as well. Join us monthly as we throw a different NIFS team member a High Five.

  • T.CostelloName: Tylene Costello
  • City, State: Howell, MI
  • Years with NIFS: 1 year, 8 months
  • Position: Director of Lifestyle and Health
  • What brought you to NIFS: Throughout my fitness career, I have always enjoyed working with seniors. Many years ago, I worked at another wellness and fitness facility. I had to create programs for post-rehabilitation, pool programs, and was introduced to Silver Sneakers, a government subsidized senior fitness program. I loved teaching Silver Sneakers classes, and teaching and educating the older population on the multiple facets of fitness training. Several years later, I was in search of a similar position, and that is where I found a listing for a part-time health fitness specialist with NIFS. I have loved every minute that I have been working for the Active Aging group for NIFS at my community location.
  • What is the most impactful moment you have shared with a member:  There are too many special moments that I have shared with members. I can’t pick one. Each and every one of my members have such a unique and interesting background and history. I love that they share memories of their families, and past jobs with me. I really enjoy when they come into my office and just want to talk about their day. Each and every moment that I get to learn about them has made an impact on my life.
  • What separates a NIFS fitness pro from the rest: I think what separates us the most is that we learn about our community. We make fitness fun. We form communities of people and social groups. We make fitness an overall healthier well-being physically and emotionally.
  • What is your favorite thing about working at your client site: I love my job! I love my co-workers and especially the members and residents. They make every day coming into work fun and enjoyable. It is a blessing in my life.
  • What motivates you: My members motivate me. They are so full of life and energy. I love observing my ninety year old members walking, exercising, and using the machines. They are a strong group of people.
  • What is your favorite hobby: My favorite hobby is being active with my family. I love to hit the gym with my 13 year old son, and 16 year old girl. I love ice-fishing, fishing, hiking, shooting bows, and spending time with them. Both of my kids are on the archery teams (one in middle school, and one in high school), I love watching them shoot. My daughter also dances, and I love watching her perform. But it is always nice, to sit and relax with a good movie and chill.

Interested in learning more about our staffing services? Click below for what best fits your needs.

ACTIVE AGING   |   CORPORATE FITNESS

 

Topics: nifs staff

Comfort Companions: for the love of pets

GettyImages-950847190Many already know the wonderful effects of having a pet companion. Owning a pet has significant benefits for an individual’s health.  Animals have a tendency to love unconditionally, and the love and friendship that radiates from bonding with your pet can not only lower stress but will also draw on your nurturing spirit that can give your level of happiness a boost. Whether you realize it or not, having a pet also promotes balance across multiple dimensions of wellness in your lifestyle. The three most common types of pets among older adults are: dogs, cats and fish. 

Dogs  

Dogs need exercise, so playing with them, whether inside or outdoors can increase the flexibility and mobility of the owner.  When taking the dog outdoors, you may have the opportunity to meet other neighbors. This will give you the chance to interact and socialize with others in your community. Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, the social interaction helps reduce stress levels and prevent isolation.

Dimensions of Wellness Incorporated with Owning a Dog: 

  • Physical= walking and playing with the dog provides physical activity
  • Occupational/Emotional = being a caregiver for a dog provides a sense of purpose and provides companionship
  • Social/Intellectual= starting conversations and meeting new friends when walking the dog creates connection
  • Environmental = fresh air and spending time outdoors builds in opportunities to connect with nature

Cats 

Compared to dogs, cats are relatively low maintenance. This is ideal for a senior with limited mobility. Feline friends are more content to stay inside and cuddle. Cuddling, petting, or even listening to a cat’s purr has been shown to help reduce feelings of anxiety.  

Dimensions of Wellness Incorporated with Owning a Cat: 

  • Emotional= having a cat can reduces feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression
  • Occupational= owning a cat strikes a healthy balance between caring for your pet and leisurely play

Fish 

Having fish is very low-maintenance and allergen-free. Decorating your fish tank with items and designs of your liking will make the viewing of the fish more enjoyable.  The colors and movement of the animals in the water, combined with the calming environment has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure. This is part of the reason why a lot of doctor’s offices may have an aquarium in the waiting area. 

Dimensions of Wellness Incorporated with Owning an Aquarium: 

  • Occupational= decorating the aquarium can contribute to personal satisfaction and enrichment. 
  • Emotional/Physical= observing fish reduces blood pressure as well as the stress and anxiety of everyday living. 
  • Environmental = listening and watching the water, aquarium plants, and fish is a great opportunity to connect with nature from the safety and comfort of home.

No matter what kind of pet, becoming the owner of one can improve overall quality of life and increase physical and emotional health. You will have responsibilities and a set routine to help fight stress, loneliness and depression. Maybe this all sounds great but you are not ready for the commitment of pet ownership. Consider asking a friend, relative or neighbor who has a pet if you can stop by and share a few minutes with their cozy companion. 

Topics: senior wellness

Staff High Five: Maddie DeVries

We say it with pride quite regularly, our amazing staff in corporate and senior living fitness centers are what help us serve our clients so well. Their strong educational background in health and fitness helps us set the bar high while their exceptional creativity and relationship building skills allows them to keep their members engaged and asking what’s coming next. Since we have the privilege of getting to know our staff across the country, we thought our followers might like to as well. Join us monthly as we throw a different NIFS team member a High Five.

  • MDeVriesName: Maddie DeVries
  • City, State: Hershey, PA
  • Years with NIFS: 1 year
  • Position: Health Fitness Specialist
  • What brought you to NIFS: I was working in a similar corporate wellness role at Delta Air Lines in Atlanta, GA. When my now-husband had the opportunity to move to PA, it was my dream to work in the same role. I was fortunate enough to step into that role with NIFS!
  • What is the most impactful moment you have shared with a member: It was with my Active & Ageless (Silver Sneakers) ladies – they are a fun and sweet bunch. We try to make the class fun and social while also getting in some movement and flexibility. They told me how much they look forward to the class each week, and how much they love trying all of the fun and innovative exercises. They were so invested in my wedding planning and new life as a southern girl in PA, and I love hearing about all their jobs before their retirement. Their excitement made me so excited to teach them each week!  
  • What separates a NIFS fitness pro from the rest: It takes a real people-person to be a NIFS fitness pro! High-energy, sociable, personable, and compassionate in addition to knowing the science and the exercise physiology.
  • What is your favorite thing about working at your client site: The people are the sweetest. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming, and it didn’t take long for me to feel like a part of the family here.
  • What motivates you: It sounds cheesy, but helping others is what motivates me! I want to do my best within myself so that I can give my best to others. Sometimes that means taking a break and doing some self-care, sometimes that means lifting some weights, and sometimes that means cooking a yummy meal.
  • What is your favorite hobby: I have recently began dabbling in photography. It has been such a fun hobby!

Interested in learning more about our staffing services? Click below for what best fits your needs.

ACTIVE AGING   |   CORPORATE FITNESS

Topics: nifs staff