Inland Christian Home has always encouraged its residents to maintain healthy lifestyles and has worked to provide a supportive environment for them to do so. This year, we have taken a great step forward by dedicating a space solely for the use of our residents to pursue their fitness goals.
Many years ago, when a group of Independent Living residents wanted to participate in a regular exercise regimen, Inland arranged for the group to use the Friendship Center, the facility’s multi-purpose community space. Under the guidance of the physical therapy department, residents began meeting three times a week for a structured exercise routine that included stretching, cardio, and strength training.
Over the years the group became quite popular, and attendance was always high. The wide-open space of the Friendship Center allowed for residents to exercise safely and maintain social distancing. There were drawbacks, however. As a community space, the room was often used for other purposes and wasn’t always available for the exercise group, which made following a regular routine difficult. This was a problem because exercise is most beneficial when it is done regularly and consistently.
Thanks to a generous donation from one of ICH’s biggest supporters, 3 Way Thrift, we have been able to solve this problem with a newly dedicated space for our residents to use for the sole purpose of physical fitness and exercise. When the maintenance department moved to a different location across campus last year, it became clear that the space they left behind could be redecorated and repurposed, creating the perfect home for a fitness center for our residents.
Gone are the tool-filled shelves and stacks of supplies, and in their place is now a refreshed space that is welcome and inviting for anyone wanting to strengthen their body and improve their fitness level. The new fitness center opened its doors in early April and includes a large room for group exercises and a smaller room for gym equipment so residents can keep up with their own independent workout routines. The space also includes a bathroom, storage space, and a hydration station so residents can refill their water bottles during their workouts. The new space will soon be well-stocked with exercise equipment including a recumbent bike, a recumbent stepper, a full body bike, a cable machine, and free weights.
The Exercise Group will continue to meet regularly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 9:30 and the center will be open to all Independent Living residents daily from 7 am to 7 pm. Anyone is welcome to join the exercise group and new participants need only to show up ready to work out. Anyone interested in using the exercise equipment will simply need to fill out a waiver with the administration office before using the equipment.