Corporate Fitness and Active Aging

The question is no longer, “Do we have a fitness center?” The stronger question is, “Are we using the fitness center to its full potential as part of our mental wellness ecosystem?”

For many senior living communities, the fitness center has traditionally been viewed as an amenity. It’s a highlight on a perspective resident tour as the place where residents can exercise. When intentionally programmed, staffed, promoted, and integrated into the broader community, the fitness center becomes more than an amenity. It becomes a meaningful part of the community’s mental wellness ecosystem. Why is this important? In a recent NIFS survey of the senior living industry, over 50% of communities reported an increased prevalence of residents struggling with depression and anxiety.

A fitness ecosystem is not just a room with equipment, or a calendar filled with classes. It is a purposeful system of programs, people, and touchpoints that helps residents move regularly, feel connected, gain confidence, and build meaningful routines. For residents navigating change, loss, stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness, that support can be powerful. Fitness is not a substitute for clinical care, but it can be a valuable part of a community’s broader mental wellness strategy.

By now, the connection between movement and mental health is well known. The World Health Organization recognizes that regular physical activity provides both physical and mental health benefits, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved brain health, and improved overall well-being. The Mayo Clinic also notes that physical activity can support emotional balance and may help reduce anxiety and depression.

For many residents, movement is not just about fitness. It is about feeling capable, connected, and supported in daily life. The CDC identifies reduced risk of depression, improved independent living, better bone health, and reduced fall risk among the benefits of physical activity for adults age 65 and older. When a resident feels more confident walking to dinner, joining a class, engaging in their favorite hobbies, or moving safely through their day, the benefits go far beyond physical health.

This is why community leaders should see the fitness center as more than a place to exercise. When done well, it becomes a familiar and supportive space where residents can build routines, see friendly faces, receive encouragement, and celebrate progress along the way. It creates simple but meaningful moments where residents are greeted by name, personally invited to participate, and recognized for the wins that matter to them. Those small touchpoints can make a big difference, especially for residents who may be feeling disconnected or unsure where they belong.

This ecosystem approach requires more than offering exercise classes. It requires intentional staffing, thoughtful programming, cross-department communication, and leadership buy-in. Fitness professionals should be empowered to notice changes in participation, connect residents to appropriate programs, communicate trends, and collaborate with life enrichment, therapy, nursing, food and beverage services, and resident services. When these departments work together, the fitness center becomes a hub for whole-person wellness.

For community leaders, this is where the opportunity lives. The fitness center can be more than a service residents use. It can become a meaningful part of how residents feel supported, connected, and encouraged in daily life. When fitness is intentionally woven into the community’s wellness strategy, it helps create an environment where movement feels accessible, progress is celebrated, and residents know they have a place to belong.

Click here to learn more about NIFS data-driven approach to helping residents gain strength and maintain their independence!

Think about the last time you took a walk and really noticed how your body felt. Were you light on your feet, or did you feel like you were leaning forward or shuffling a bit? How we hold and move our bodies affects how steady, strong, and comfortable we feel. 

“Walking tall” is not about looking a certain way, its about supporting your body so movement feels natural and secure. Three things help with that: confidence, a supportive core, and gentle cardiovascular activity like walking. 

Confidence Begins with Awareness 

Confidence in movement starts with simply paying attention to how your body is aligned. Imagine creating space between your ribs and hips, softening your shoulders, and letting your gaze rise. This position helps you move more freely and take steadier steps. It also allows for easier breathing and more efficient movement. 

Your Core Helps You Stay Steady 

The core includes the muscles of the abdomen, hips, lower back, and pelvis. These muscles work together to keep you steady while you sit, stand, and move. A supported core helps with balance, reduces stress on your back, and makes everyday tasks feel easier. 

Here are a few gentle core activities you can try: 

1. Seated Posture Hold
   Sit near the front of a chair. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Lengthen your spine and gently draw your lower belly inward. Hold while breathing for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 to 8 times.
2. Slow Standing March
   Stand with support from a counter or sturdy chair. Slowly lift one knee, set it down, then lift the other. Move with slow control. Perform 10 to 20 marches.
3. Weight Shift Exercise
   Stand upright with both feet under your hips. Gradually shift your weight to one foot while keeping your posture tall. Then shift back to center and to the other foot. This helps train balance and core coordination.

Cardio Supports Energy and Ease 

Walking is one of the most supportive activities for healthy aging. You do not need to walk fast or for long periods. A few short, comfortable walks each day can support heart health, boost mood, and help maintain independence. Focus on an easy pace and smooth, steady steps. 

Bringing It All Together 

Standing tall, using your core, and moving consistently throughout the day can help you feel more balanced and confident. Small changes practiced regularly add up. Begin with one moment of awareness at a time, and let that confidence grow with every step. 

At the core of any great fitness program is the belief progress is possible at any age, and this year two of our dedicated team members brought this belief to life for their residents in Arizona with the launch of their Superpowers program. The superpowers program was designed to spotlight the strength and flexibility gains residents can achieve with the right tools, guidance, and encouragement. They set out to empower residents to discover their inner superpower through intentional training, and their outcomes were extraordinary.

Strength Superpowers:

Fitness Specialist Kiona Garza led the strength portion of the superpowers program. Kiona said “it has been a goal of mine to educate our residents about progressive overload and how the body can better adapt to gaining strength through it.” She added, “I know residents get comfortable with the weights they use but if they were to keep using the same weights they would become ineffective at helping them build strength”.

Kiona’s strength program was split into 3 phases: muscular endurance, hypertrophy, and strength. Using the leg press for their 3-rep max test, residents were challenged to increase their strength by at least 25% in two months. Every single one of her participants exceeded that goal and some even achieved as much as a 200% increase in strength.

One resident, Garret W., is a standout. Starting the program with a 115 pound 3-rep max, Garrett increased to 210 pounds which was an impressive 82.6% gain. He had a goal to get stronger for his trip to Israel to celebrate his 90th birthday, and not only did he meet that goal he exceeded expectations by navigating hills, rocky terrain, and stairs with ease. His tour guide was so impressed noting that he had never seen someone Garrett's age move with such agility and independence. Garrett is living proof that age is just a number when it comes to strength.

Flexibility: The Hidden Superpower

Flexibility is often overlooked in fitness training, but Jabbar Harris another one of our dedicated fitness specialists knew just how powerful it could be. He led the flexibility portion of the superpowers program and guided residents through regular stretching routines designed to safely increase their range of motion, and comfort. One of his participants, Olivia Q., experienced dramatic improvements going from four inches short of her toes to reaching two inches past them - that's a 150% increase in flexibility! She shared with Jabbar that performing the stretches most days of the week not only improved her flexibility but also alleviated soreness in her lower back! Olivia's lower back discomfort went from a self reported “seven” to a “three”. Since completing the Superpowers program, Olivia has continued to incorporate stretching into her daily routine to maintain her new superpower.  

The superpowers program wasn't about magic, it was about movement, mindset and momentum. This program truly helped the residents we serve realize that strength isn't reserved for the young, and flexibility isn't lost with age. Through education, encouragement, and personalized programming our fitness staff empowered residents to unlock their potential. To Kiona and Jabbar: thank you for your thoughtfulness and dedication to helping the residents that we serve discover just how powerful they are!

At NIFS, we believe in the power of movement. That’s why our partnership with NuStep has become an integral part of NIFS Pump It for Parkinson’s, a nationwide initiative that raises awareness about Parkinson’s Disease (PD) while inspiring communities to take meaningful steps (literally and figuratively) toward better health.

Every April, during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Pump It for Parkinson’s unites communities across the nation on a shared mission to highlight the critical role exercise plays in managing PD symptoms. At the heart of this event is the NuStep cross trainer, a machine that has not only become a hallmark of our program but also a gateway for residents to rediscover the joy of movement.

For many residents, the NuStep offers a level of approachability and ease that makes starting or returning to exercise possible. Its seated, low-impact design eliminates the barriers that often discourage seniors from engaging in fitness, especially those managing mobility challenges or chronic conditions.

In one community, a resident who had never stepped foot in the fitness center joined Pump It for Parkinson’s because of a PD diagnosis, and quickly discovered how enjoyable and empowering regular movement could be. Stories like this remind us why the NuStep is so much more than a piece of equipment, but also a bridge to better fitness.

The beauty of Pump It for Parkinson’s is its flexibility. The NuStep serves as the cornerstone of the event, but we encourage communities to build on it in ways that engage their residents and staff:

• Organizing a community-wide 1k walk event.
• Highlighting Group Fitness Classes: From cardio drumming to dance classes, we’ve seen communities get creative by adding group activities that complement the NuStep challenge.
• Inclusive Opportunities: Every step counts when building awareness, so we offer step-conversion charts and alternative activities like walking, biking, or using the elliptical trainer.

Parkinson’s Disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, including many in the senior living communities we serve. Exercise has been shown to slow the progression of PD symptoms, improve balance and coordination, and enhance overall quality of life. By combining education with action, Pump It for Parkinson’s sheds light on these benefits while fostering a culture of wellness and inclusivity.

Throughout the event, communities host educational booths, share resources about PD, and invite residents and staff to learn more about how they can support those living with the disease. This blend of awareness and activity is what makes the program so impactful.

In 2024, participants nationwide achieved over 18 million steps, and this year, we’re aiming even higher and know we can meet our 25 million step goal. The impact of this program goes far beyond the numbers. Residents gain confidence, friendships blossom, and communities come together in ways that inspire lasting change. We’re proud to offer this event which has become hallmark for many senior living communities and invite you to join us in making 2025 our most impactful year yet!

Join us for Pump It for Parkinson's this April and help us bring awareness nationwide to the benefits of exercise for those living with Parkinson's Disease.

November marks COPD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition affecting millions worldwide. COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard for air to move in and out of the lungs, making it hard to breathe. With COPD, everyday tasks can feel challenging, leaving many breathless and less motivated to stay active. While COPD is irreversible, regular exercise can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

How Exercise Helps People with COPD

You might wonder, "How can exercise help me when breathing itself is already hard?", and that is a valid question! But here’s why exercise is essential for COPD management:

1. Improved Oxygen Efficiency
   Aerobic exercises (like walking, swimming, and cycling) help your body use oxygen more efficiently. The COPD Foundation states that although exercise won't increase lung capacity, it will strengthen the cardiovascular system and muscles, helping reduce shortness of breath and making daily activities easier.
2. Stronger Breathing Muscles
   Exercise strengthens the muscles you use for breathing, including the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. With stronger muscles, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to draw in oxygen, making breathing less of a strain (American Lung Association).
3. Increased Endurance
   Regular aerobic and strength training exercises can boost your stamina, helping you perform tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or doing household chores with less fatigue. Over time, you'll find that you're able to exercise longer without feeling out of breath.

Top Exercises for COPD

• Aerobic Exercise
  Swimming, walking and biking are great ways to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce the strain on your lungs.
• Strength Training
  Resistance exercises (using light weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises) help build muscle strength, which make daily activities easier, and improve posture which can also help to make breathing easier.
• Breathing Exercises
  Practicing breathing exercises and can help reduce shortness of breath and improve your exercise tolerance. These exercises slow down your breathing and make it easier to exhale fully (American Lung Association).

While exercise is beneficial, it's important to exercise safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program, especially if you have severe COPD or other health conditions.
• Start slow and gradually increase the intensity.
• Use your prescribed medications.
• Stay hydrated and avoid exercising in extreme weather conditions like high heat or cold, which can aggravate COPD symptoms.

Living with COPD can feel challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. NIFS group fitness classes offer a variety of ways to help you stay active safely and effectively, with options designed to strengthen your body, improve your endurance, and help you breathe easier. Join us to discover a supportive environment where you can manage your health and find renewed energy for the things you enjoy. Start your journey to better breathing and a fuller life today—let NIFS help you take that first step.

Are your fitness and wellness programs reaching your residents, but now you’re wondering how to take your community’s reputation to the next level by demonstrating an even bigger commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle campus-wide? Perhaps it’s time to incorporate a staff component into some of your resident fitness and wellness initiatives! There are several benefits of employees participating in challenges or broader wellness initiatives with residents in your community settings, here are the top 5!

• Improved Health and Wellness: Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for your residents, but for everyone! By participating in resident fitness and wellness challenges employees too can maintain a healthy weight, reduce their risk of disease, improve their strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, and improve their overall health and well-being. By participating alongside residents, they’re also more likely to stick to their goals as they become role models, supporters, and more accountable.
• Team Building: You want a strong collaborative team leading of employees leading the way at your community, right? By including employees into fitness and wellness challenges and encouraging them to work together towards a common goal, you’ll be fostering team building, collaborative programming, communication, and a sense of community which can be beneficial for them in all aspects of their lives, including at work.
• Enhanced Job Satisfaction: When employees can participate in activities which promote better well-being, they’re likely to experience increased energy levels, decreased stress, improved mood and greater job satisfaction. Increased job satisfaction and morale can lead to greater productivity, and increased employee retention!
• Positive Impact of Resident Experience: Participating in a challenge alongside one another can foster positive relationships between employees and residents. This provides them with the ability to build rapport with each other and leads to better communication, and enhanced employee-resident interactions. When your residents see that the employees are engaged and committed to healthy habits through participation more residents may be inclined to join in as well, which can improve their health and fitness outcomes and enhance their overall quality of life.
• Positive Reputation and Retention: By demonstrating a commitment to employee health and well-being, while continuing to promote vibrant lifestyle options for your residents, you will be more apt to attract and retain not only residents, but also a top performing team!

If you wish to have a productive workplace environment and retain top talent, we urge you to open some aspect of your community-wide wellness initiatives to your employees.

We know that practicing gratitude can have profound effects on our health and wellbeing, but in our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to brush off and overlook all of the good around us. Because of this, NIFS staff across the country took the month of November, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, to give thanks and practice gratitude with their residents through our own Operation Gratitude program. Some of the popular offerings and events included a month-long self-care calendar, relaxation through additional mindfulness and meditation practices, a mindful meal, journaling, workshops, small group discussions, gratitude letters and candygrams, random acts of kindness, philanthropy, and a whole lot of awe walks! Here are some of the benefits our participants observed:

• Stress Reduction: Practicing gratitude acts as a powerful stress reliever while training our minds to focus on the good things in our lives and be present in this moment. This shift in our perspective helps us to counteract daily stressors and anxiety and promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation.
• Mental Health Benefits: Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression and increase our overall quality of life. When we shift our focus to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of our life more, we adopt a more optimistic outlook and see the “negatives” less which dramatically improves our mental health as a result.
• Physical Health Benefits: The benefits of practicing gratitude extend far beyond our mental well-being and can even positively impact our physical health. Research suggests that practicing gratitude helps to reduce inflammation, improve immune function, lower blood pressure, and improve quality of sleep.
• Enhanced Relationships: When we express gratitude towards others, we strengthen our relationships and connection with them. Practicing gratitude can lead to improved communication, increased empathy, and stronger social connections. These connections can be linked to better mental and physical health outcomes as well.
• Improved Resilience: By practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive things in our lives we develop an abundance mindset which allows us to take on challenges with more ease. Individuals who are grateful exhibit increased resiliency, adaptability, and in turn can cope with life’s surprises with a bit more ease.

Throughout month of gratitude, we engaged nearly 2,500 different residents in gratitude offerings at least once, many multiple times, and collected donations for local food banks, the Salvation Army, Family Promise, and the Alzheimer’s Association. At the conclusion of the month, and the NIFS program, residents continued to practice gratitude by sharing what they appreciated about the program. Feedback ranged from feeling lighter and brighter throughout the tasks of day to feeling free to let go of pain after chemotherapy, and everywhere in between. We at NIFS are grateful for the communities we partner with and the ability to serve their residents every day!

When programming for your community’s fitness center, don’t forget to step outside of the fitness bubble sometimes and engage residents through whole-person wellness offerings. You just might be able to reach a whole new audience, and impact your current superusers in a new way, too!

Learn more about how NIFS Programming supports wellness and impacts quality of life for your residents!

As the seasons change and leaves take on vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange we are reminded that much like an artist, we can craft our lives in beautiful ways, and what better time to celebrate that reminder with our senior residents than during Active Aging Week? Active Aging Week, celebrated annually, shines a light on the importance of maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle as we age. This year, at NIFS, we’ve decided to focus on “aging artfully” and help the residents in the communities that we partner with age well through embracing their creativity.

As fitness professionals, we are sometimes met with surprise when we step outside of the fitness center and run programs that are more wellness and activity based, but across the country we have a team full of passionate and creative staff, and together we focus on total person health and wellness. We know that aging doesn’t mean there has to be a decline in quality of life, but instead provides opportunities to explore new passions, hobbies, and forms of self-expression. As we hold offerings to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being this week we will also be emphasizing the role of art and creativity in active aging and bringing light to some of the benefits that come with them:

1. Social Interaction: We know that not all residents in our communities are fitness buffs, so offering programs that are outside of the box gives us the ability to connect with a new group of residents and ease them into participating in other wellness programs and events. For all, joining in on creative groups and classes combats loneliness and isolation and helps to foster social connections while nurturing creativity.
2. Mental Stimulation: Engaging in creative activities and trying new things stimulates and enhances cognitive function and memory while keeping your mind active.
3. Emotional Well-being: Increased happiness, a sense of accomplishment, and stress reduction are all biproducts of creative expression thanks to an outlet for emotions. Participating in creative programs can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide an avenue for processing emotions and memories.
4. Self-Discovery: Exploring your creative side can help you to better understand your interests, and help you find new hobbies and passions. It’s never too late to learn an instrument, try your hand at painting, or share your wisdom. Your creative work can also become a meaningful legacy!

Some of the programs that our staff have planned for this active aging week include classes in various mediums of art, music, dance, writing, expressive exercise classes paired with music or art, outdoor exercise in nature, active adventures, upcycling projects, collaborative offerings with other departments including food and beverage, activities, physical therapy, and so much more.

Artful aging is about staying engaged in the world around us, embracing creativity and living with intention. Celebrate Active Aging Week with us by embracing the art of aging well.

Learn more about how NIFS programming makes an impact in senior living!

In this blog, we covered some of the basics of how exercise is vital to those living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms. Now let’s chat about creating a Parkinson’s specific group fitness class for your members with PD. For me, group fitness is one of my favorite ways to exercise – something about the fun and engaging group atmosphere, accountability, motivation, and support from peers makes solo-exercise feel especially unappealing some days. Participating in group exercise can have huge benefits for your PD population too, but not just any group class is appropriate. Parkinson’s specific exercise classes can address common symptoms of PD including impaired balance and coordination, stiffness, freezing, poor posture, and limited flexibility/mobility which can in turn help to improve quality of life and help perform ADL’s more easily. Through a carefully developed exercise routine, individuals with PD may be able to slow the progression of the disease and improve their mobility and independence.

First, ensure that you (if you are the instructor), or your fitness staff have had adequate training and educational background on PD and are specialized in the training of individuals with PD to ensure classes are both safe and effective. You’ll want to encourage your members to check with their physician prior to starting a program and we recommend obtaining medical clearance as well.

While considering the unique training needs of members with PD, classes should be adapted to accommodate a variety of ability levels and include a variety of exercises which require both focus and effort. Each member should also be working at a moderate to vigorous intensity for the most effective workout. Utilize the RPE scale to ensure they are feeling somewhere between a 4-6 (moderate) or 7-8 (vigorous) out of 10. The components you want to include are aerobic, strength, balance, multitasking and flexibility for a complete workout. We recommend timing classes to be 50+ minutes in length so you have adequate time to warm up and training time inclusive of all components.

Structuring your classes: Start off with a warmup which includes raising the heart rate, warming up the body, stretching and flexibility exercises and of course some deep breathing. We want our PD members to really focus on deep breaths so they can relax and get a good stretch which in turn will combat muscle rigidity and assist in ADL’s.

Next, shift your focus to include aerobic training and strengthening exercises. Again, for aerobic exercise we want our participants to be working hard! This might be a time to consider adding in some dual tasks for cognition and coordination too! Dual tasks can be combined with any of the other training modalities so make sure to pepper those in often throughout your class. Try things like walking while counting backwards, catching a ball, standing on a foam pad while answering questions, or a variety of compound exercises. For this, just think “multitask” and have participants do two (or more!) things at once. For strengthening exercises, aim to hit the major muscle groups, but at the very least, you want to strongly address the muscles of the core, quads, glutes, back and triceps as they all lose strength and lead to poor postural changes.

Balance training is another essential training component in class as members with PD are two times more likely to fall when compared to those without PD due to slower reaction time, freezing, decline in mobility and balance, and lower body muscle weakness. You’ll definitely want to practice balance exercises and safe movement techniques in every exercise session!

Some other movements to add into your classes include boxing movements, yoga or tai chi practices, big movements, utilizing the voice loudly by counting or singing, and brain teasers or cognitive challenges. As always, end with adequate time to allow the body to cool down, stretch and some more deep breathing.

A few additional considerations as you develop your PD class include choreography and music! Studies have shown dancing and choreographed movements can help with balance, gait, confidence, movement initiation and QOL. Similarly, using music can reduce stress, improve breathing and voice quality, and make it FUN for you participants!

We already know that exercise is a key contributor to a healthy lifestyle overall, but for those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) this is no exception! In fact, exercise is extremely critical for people with PD, and research shows that participating in an exercise program can not only help to maintain balance and mobility, but can also slow the progression of the disease, and improve many of its symptoms! Establishing an exercise routine early on in diagnosis is key for PD management, but for any fitness level or disease stage, just getting up and moving is helpful.

Common symptoms of PD include tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, and balance and coordination impairment. Those symptoms coupled with the fatigue, muscle weakness and low power that people with PD frequently exhibit have the power to greatly affect day to day life, but they don’t have to.

It is recommended by The American College of Sports Medicine and The Parkinson’s Foundation that individuals with PD participate in 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week. For the greatest benefit, exercise should be intentional, and you should look to include cardiovascular endurance, strength/resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises into a training program. Together, these modalities create a comprehensive fitness regimen and will help reduce the risk of falling and improve the ability to perform activities of daily life – like getting dressed, reaching for an object, or standing up from a chair.

Where to Start:

• Safety First! Always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
• Pick exercises that you will enjoy! It doesn’t matter how “great” your program is if you don’t plan to stick to it. The most important thing is to make sure you exercise regularly, so try to have a little fun while you’re at it!
• Consider joining a group exercise class! Joining in on Parkinson’s specific classes will offer you added motivation, support and socialization with others who also have PD. Additionally, you will receive instruction and any necessary modifications from trained experts.
• Exercise at an intensity that feels like a challenge.

Still unsure of how to start exercising with Parkinson’s Disease? Starting, or restarting, an exercise program alone can be intimidating, and with PD requiring some special considerations it can be even more difficult to truly know where to begin. There are numerous benefits associated with working with a qualified fitness professional – ideally a fitness professional who has an educational background and experience working with PD – that span far beyond added motivation and accountability. Working with an educated and credentialed professional is essential in properly progressing exercises, reducing risk of injury, and maximizing effectiveness for all individuals, but especially those with unique needs. Qualified professionals can not only advise you on where and how to start, but will also be able to progress you accordingly, and adapt your exercise program to meet your individual needs. They will be able check and correct your form, while also educating you on which muscles are being targeted, and why that is important in maintenance and slowing of your PD progression so that you can continue to perform daily tasks and activities.