Fit for Life

From page 1 Peggy Mills thought she might be on to something.

The visual exercise training system she developed and launched in Dublin in 2017 was already proving to be effective in empowering and building independence for those with disabilities. Why, she wondered, couldn’t it do the same thing for older adults? “The older adult population represents an incredible opportunity to benefit from the same type of interventions to help them be independent,” Mills said of her system, called Valemee (vuh-LEH-mee) and so named to encompass the mission of “value me, empower me.” “Most people do not walk into a gym and already know what to do. We wanted people to be able to walk in, pick out their own workouts based on the muscle group they want to target, and let them have independence.” An adapted physical education teacher with decades of experience, Mills said the idea behind Valemee is to offer a visual exercise format that empowers all users—and specifically those with unique developmental, neurological, and physical needs—to overcome barriers to being fit and independent. When she learned about SourcePoint, the population it serves, and the fitness center available at its Cheshire Road facility, Mills connected with Jonell Arthur, SourcePoint’s wellness manager, about bringing Valemee to Delaware. “Peggy wanted to form a partnership once she understood our population,” said Arthur, pictured above. “We brought this system on site because we do have stroke victims and people with brain injuries and mobility issues who use exercise as a way to regain their independence.” The Valemee system features a board that shows exercises for each muscle group, with cards that visually depict how each exercise is performed.

“Users can do self-guided exercises with minimal instruction,” Arthur said. “There are cards that members will grab on a magnetic board; they pick their exercises and return the cards as they finish each exercise.” Mills said the Valemee system teaches different ways to perform various exercises so they can be adapted to different levels of ability. She said someone who has trouble reaching down and getting something off the floor will be shown variations of a squat exercise. Learning the various exercises and incorporating them into a workout routine also keep the brain sharp. Another system benefit is being able to adapt a workout to a user’s schedule. “People will go to fitness classes, but what if you have only half an hour for a workout?” Mills said. “You can use this system to get the benefits of exercise in the time you have.” Mills said SourcePoint already had more than enough equipment to introduce the Valemee training system to its fitness center members, with all exercises done with free weights, resistance bands, and sandbells. Arthur has taken a course that will help her acclimate new users of the Valemee system, particularly those with disabilities. “It’s been great to see how committed SourcePoint is to this population,” Mills said. “They genuinely care about doing everything they can to meet their needs.” SourcePoint is the first center for older adults in the area to be using the Valemee system.

“The shift in applying this system to older adults is what makes it noteworthy for us,” said Clare Decker, SourcePoint’s administrator of community programs. “One of the things that struck me when we first saw it is the people shown in the pictures look like the people who would be using it here. This is about maintaining independence.” Countless studies and reports over the years have shown that maintaining independence is just one benefit of starting or continuing to exercise as we get older. An article from the National Council on Aging lists several other reasons we should work out regularly, including preventing bone loss, relieving osteoarthritis pain, boosting immunity, preventing chronic disease, and improving your mood. Strength training, Pilates, yoga, and aerobic exercise are among the top choices the article lists for older adults to help improve mobility, build strength, and enhance balance and coordination.

Regular users of SourcePoint’s fitness center have their own personal stories of why they stay in shape.

“About six years ago, my annual physical showed that I had slightly high cholesterol,” said Richard Brown. “The doctor wanted me to take medication, which I declined. We agreed that I would first try to make some lifestyle changes in diet and exercise. That’s when I started coming to the fitness center at SourcePoint. I continue to take advantage of the great facilities that the fitness center has to offer today, and there are also 740-363-6677 | MySourcePoint.org

increased opportunities to take a large variety of classes that challenge us all. In addition to the use of all these resources is the bonus opportunity to meet a lot of really nice people.” Linda and Bill Grubb joined the fitness center about seven years ago, after Bill had a stroke and his post-stroke physical therapy came to an end.

“We needed to continue to exercise on our own,” Linda said. “Since then, he’s continued using the fitness center and participated in the golf league and I’ve become addicted to daily cardio, circuit, and yoga classes. We are in better shape than we were in our younger years. We feel better and are energized not only by the exercise, but also the social connections and relief from stress and anxiety. I cannot say enough good things about the impact SourcePoint’s wellness and fitness programs—and Jonell’s dedication—have had on our lives.”

Regular and new users of SourcePoint’s fitness facilities have no doubt noticed some new features in recent weeks. Several pieces of outdoor equipment were purchased thanks to a COVID-related grant from the Ohio Department of Aging and installed near the pond and walking path. “We’ve had some in the past, and we really want to attract more 55-to-64-year-olds with these,” she said. “We started with a cycling challenge and it went well, and the rowing challenge was even more popular.” Upcoming workout challenges are scheduled as follows: • July – Treadmill Challenge • August – Step Bench Challenge • September – Squat Challenge • October – Sled Challenge • November – Rope Challenge • December – Stability Ball Squat Thrust Challenge The SourcePoint wellness team can provide additional details on any or all of the challenges.

“We’ll have six new pieces in total, chosen so we could target all muscle groups with minimal equipment,” Arthur said. “We run our boot camp and cycling classes outside, and part of our goals for this year is to offer even more programming outside. So this will add to that. People are excited about it, and we’ve been talking it up.” Four of the six pieces of outdoor equipment—an elliptical trainer, two-person chest press, rowing machine, and cross country ski machine—are installed, and the other two will be written into next year’s budget, Decker said. The equipment is all wheelchair accessible. “One of our members is practicing for our jump rope challenge in June,” Arthur said, adding that each challenge will have modifications so everyone can feel successful and, most importantly, can see the physical and mental benefits of exercise.

YOU’RE INVITED TO AN “We want to highlight that you’ll be better off if you’re moving, and that it’s never too late and you’re never too old to get started,” Decker said. “It’s always worth it to do something, and we hope we have built a space where people can feel confident and comfortable. Whatever you’re looking for, we have something to suit your needs, and it’s a great place to build friendships. We’re proudest of the fact that there is a space for everyone.”

Ice Cream Social

We invite you to learn how planning for your final wishes may shield your family from unnecessary emotional and financial burden. Join us for an ice cream social and learn more about pre-arrangments, veterans benefits, cremation, burial & more. Wednesday, July 13

2:00pm

DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home - Sunbury

637 Ohio 61 at Ohio 3, Sunbury, OH 43074 To learn more about the fitness opportunities offered at SourcePoint, visit MySourcePoint.org. To learn more about the Valemee training system, visit valemee.com.

Jeff Robinson is the feature writer for My Communicator.

Space is limited, RSVP at (419) 751-2341

Arthur said monthly workout challenges began in March and are back on the SourcePoint schedule indefinitely.