As an experienced fitness instructor with decades of teaching under her belt, when she made the move to Country Meadows of Bethlehem two years ago, she knew that element of her life and personality was never going to take a backseat.
As she says, everything “worked out!” Literally. Fran is what some would call a gym rat. She belonged to local gyms and pools and recognized early in her life the important role activity and movement plays, not only on the physical aspects of life, but also mental and emotional. This became even more important for her as a breast cancer survivor and member of Glinda’s Club, a cancer support community in New Jersey. What started as attending group classes quickly turned into filling in for instructors, to then leading her own classes and training her own regular members at the gyms and Glinda’s. Still today, in addition to taking advantage of all the health and fitness opportunities the Country Meadows has to offer, Fran maintains a local gym membership where she can access the pool to continue low-impact aquatic training.
Her path to fitness at Country Meadows followed a similar pattern. Early in her days as a new resident, the campus fitness director, Nicole Visoco, met Fran and learned about her experience and invited her to attend classes. She took every class she could and, soon after, Nicole approached Fran about volunteering to lead her own classes and even substituting if Nicole is out unexpectedly. Her commitment to her own health and fitness and the enthusiasm she brings when she shares it with others is infectious and has led to the opportunity to host her own class on Saturday mornings.
“Fran shines the minute she presses play and the class starts,” boasted Nicole. “Her personal experience and previous certifications have equipped her to help residents modify if needed but always feel included.”
Fran believes fitness is for every body and even created her own adaptable class called Forever Young, aptly named after her favorite song by Rod Stewart. The class is designed so anyone—regardless of ability—can participate. Her certifications include SilverSneakers, Zumba, spinning and aquatic exercise, therefore, she understands the science behind each movement but also how to make it fun and accessible.
“Sometimes the hardest part is getting out the door,” Fran acknowledges. “Even if it takes a little encouragement, once you get moving, you’re going to feel better the rest of the day.”
Her approach is to make sure residents feel supported. She incorporates fun music and movements that are simple but impactful and ultimately help residents toward their goals.
“For example, many of the residents who use walkers tend to put most of their weight on the backs. In our classes, we strengthen the muscles that help with posture and stability,” described Fran. “I instruct them to put their weight in their heels to get up and down—they see how much easier that can be.”
“It’s about the little tweaks,” Fran added. “We have other residents that really like to stomp and when you position it like that instead of high knees, that is much more inviting. Or reach for the sky or give yourself a hug— and all of a sudden, the participants are stretching.”
Fran’s advice when it comes to incorporating health and fitness into a routine: “A positive attitude takes you far. It’s easy to say poor me or whatever, but through classes and getting involved in whatever brings you joy will help you get out of a rut. Your heart and health will thank you.”
Here to help you achieve your goals
Residents of all abilities and mobilities recognize the benefits of the active lifestyle options available on our Country Meadows campuses. Whether it is the physical improvements that drive the resident or the socialization aspect that brings residents to classes or activities, we are here to support any and all motivations that lead to our residents’ health and happiness. Interested in testing out a fitness class at a campus near you? Contact one of our local advisors to learn more!