Doctors now know that stroke victims and patients with arthritis and other conditions can benefit greatly from regular exercise. Seeing that kind of physical progress is gratifying, but Coffey says the emotional component is an even better payoff. Consistency is the key to getting fit, Coffey says, noting it doesn't take a lot of time. We ask people to come for 30 minutes three times a week. Give us 90 minutes and we can make a big improvement in your life.
Every workout's just a little bit more.
Shape Up America prides itself on making seniors feel comfortable coming in to exercise. There are no mirrors, and most of the employees, including the trainers, are mature individuals. One of the trainers is 75, and Coffey says he is an inspiration to many clients. The club, he says, is careful to set realistic goals for its patrons - even if it sometimes means asking them to scale back their expectations. A lot of the movement is cross-lateral, because that's the way people must move in real life, she explains.