Regular physical activity is one of the most important factors in maintaining health, mobility, and independence as we age. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, improve balance and posture, increase flexibility, and support overall well-being. Just as important, it can create opportunities for social connection and community engagement.
For Grandview Terrace resident Janet S., staying active has made a remarkable difference in both her physical health and her quality of life.
When Janet moved to Grandview Terrace two and a half years ago, she quickly took advantage of the fitness classes available to residents. At the time, she was facing significant balance challenges and knew she needed to make exercise a priority.
“I physically just wore myself out,” Janet said. “I also had some other physical problems. When I came in, balance was a credible issue at that point. I was having big-time balance troubles.”
One of the first classes Janet attended was a balance-focused fitness class designed to strengthen the muscles that support everyday movement, including the legs, feet, and hips. Through exercises such as sit-to-stands—moving from a seated position to standing without using your hands—residents build strength, stability, and confidence.
Like many participants, Janet had to work her way up to reach the class goals. But through consistency and determination, she began noticing significant improvements.
Today, Janet says she feels stronger, more stable, and more capable than she did before moving to Grandview Terrace.
“Now I have so much strength and feel good about balancing,” she said.
The improvements extend beyond exercise class. Activities that once seemed impossible have become achievable.
“Before I moved here, getting down on the floor and back up would have been impossible. Now I can do that no problem.”
Janet currently participates in seven fitness classes on a regular basis, including Yoga, Cardio Drumming, Posture Perfect, and Balance. While the physical benefits have been significant, she says the friendships she’s built along the way have been just as meaningful.
“Well, we’ve become involved in all the exercise programs, and that is what brings everybody together,” Janet said. “Everybody learns, they get to know people, and before you know it, you’re having dinner together.”
The social connections formed through shared activities have helped Janet build lasting friendships within the community. Several of the people she now enjoys meals and activities with were first met through fitness classes.
One of her favorite classes is Cardio Drumming, which combines movement, rhythm, and music into an energetic and engaging workout.
“We love it,” Janet said. “We’re drumming along, we’re all singing the song that’s on, and we’re all pointing to each other. It just stimulates the happiness vibe that you see around here.”
Janet’s experience highlights an important truth about healthy aging: exercise isn’t just about building strength. It’s about maintaining independence, improving confidence, reducing fall risk, supporting overall health, and creating meaningful opportunities to connect with others.
At Grandview Terrace and throughout Sun Health Life Plan Communities, residents have access to a variety of fitness classes, wellness programs, and recreational activities designed to support active lifestyles and lifelong well-being. Whether it’s improving balance, increasing strength, exploring a new fitness class, or making new friends, residents have countless opportunities to stay engaged and thrive.
For Janet, those opportunities have made all the difference.
“Exercise has helped me feel stronger, healthier, and more connected,” she said.
To learn more about Grandview Terrace and the lifestyle opportunities available at Sun Health Life Plan Communities, visit SunHealthCommunities.org.
