Photo by CLARE JENSEN
PERSONAL TRAINER KRISTINA OLESEN ASSISTS CLARENCE “GRUMPY” BUTLER DURING HIS EXERCISE ROUTINE AT THE ELDER’S FITNESS CENTER FEB. 1.
A few dozen of Puyallup Tribe’s senior members have started to take advantage of the new Elders Center fitness room.
A facility fully-equipped with the latest in exercise equipment is attracting men and women, ranging in age from 45 to 85.
Some of them have experience with regular exercise, like Susan Dillon. She has been working out regularly for the past year and has already lost 60 pounds.
Some of them, however, had never been to a gym before the Elders Center opened in October.
“I never worked out before,” said Clarence “Grumpy” Butler, who at age 81 gets out of his wheelchair and onto an incumbent bicycle for a workout several times a week now.
He has also started drinking more water.
Since November, personal trainer Kristina Olesen has been working at the center to support and help de-mystify the exercise process for elders.
“I’m educating them on nutrition and how to exercise,” she said. “It’s the basics.”
Kristina Olesen works directly with those new to exercising and those with experience at it, and she sets up personal workout plans for elders after assessing their physical health and ability.
Kristina Olesen has 12 years experience as a personal trainer and has worked specifically with senior citizen fitness plans through her work at Cottesmore Life Care Center in Gig Harbor and at Balleys Fitness Center, where she got to know some tribal members who suggested she apply for the job she is at now.
Currently, there are about 45 people who use the fitness center on a regular basis throughout the week.
Upon intake, clients will work directly with the trainer for at least 30 days, or until they are comfortable exercising on their own.
“I’m always here if they need help,” Kristina Olesen said.
While many people choose to exercise to lose weight and improve their physical appearance, impacts of exercise on aging adults can have health benefits that go far beyond looks.
Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular and muscular health, decrease the risks and impacts of diseases such as diabetes and high cholesterol, and improve arthritis and joint health.
It can also play a large role in the personal independence of elderly people by building self-esteem, increasing energy, increasing core strength and reducing fall risks.
“Exercise helps you feel better overall,” Kristina Olesen said. “You’re building strength, getting out of the house and interacting with other people. Just moving more is going to help (elders) in what they’re doing around the house.”
Nadine Dillon started her workout routine at the end of January and has set herself a goal of losing 50 pounds. She comes to the Elders Center on her lunch break with her sister, Susan Dillon.
“Kristina has been really good – she makes me sweat, but that’s what I’m supposed to do,” Nadine Dillon laughed.
Sisters Lizetta Kelly and April Beck also have started a lunchtime workout regimen together.
Since they both work nearby for the Tribe, coming to the Elders Center on their break is convenient and encourages them to keep going.
“I don’t have to go home, get changed and then leave the gym in the dark,” Lizetta Kelly said. “And at the gym, sometimes I’d have to wait for a machine. Here, it’s wide open and it’s convenient.”
The fitness center is open to Puyallup tribal members 45 and older from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Elders are allowed to bring a guest 45 and older, regardless of tribal membership. The Elders Center personal trainer is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Yoga classes are offered in the first-floor classroom space at the Elders Center at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The fitness center will be offering additional exercise classes in the future, ranging in intensity and ability level.
Drop by the fitness center anytime to get started working out, or call (253) 383-7549 for more information.
