Make the Most of Your Daily Walk

You may just think that “Walk this Way” is a catchy song, but did you know that there are actually ways for you to make your walk more effective? With so much room on campus to make walking outdoors a part of your healthy lifestyle, Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community is perfect for avid walkers. Here are some tips to help you make the most of every step!

  • Keep a good pace. According to the University of California, a person who weighs 150 pounds who walks at 3.5 miles per hour on a flat surface will burn 300 calories in one hour.

  • Step up! You might be walking more (or less) in a day than you think! If you have a goal of how much you would like to walk in a day, it’s a great idea to purchase a pedometer. They are inexpensive and can count all of the steps you take in a day, whether you are working out or running around the kitchen cooking a meal.

  • Pump it up. Pumping your arms can turn a nice walk into a full body workout! Don’t forget your upper body when it comes to your daily walk. If you’re looking for an extra challenge, try out some hand weights!

  • Walking the same course every day might help to keep you on a good schedule, but it can also get a little bit boring. Try to liven your workout by walking different paths on different days of the week or by getting off campus every once in a while for more diverse terrains. The Cranberry area has plenty of public park space to make the most of, and we are happy to recommend one to you!

  • Don’t be afraid to look for some support. If you are having a little bit of difficulty getting around or want some extra support on your walk, consider a cane or walking poles to help you out.

  • Remember to wear comfortable and supportive shoes, also.

  • Want to speed up a little bit? According to Active.com, “Instead of taking longer steps, take faster steps. Lengthening your stride can increase strain on your feet and legs.”

  • Find a buddy. Walking with a friend is a great motivator. And there are plenty of friends to walk with at Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community. In fact, we have a walking group led by our fitness director called “Take a Walk with A Friend.” The group walks all over the campus, including the 3 miles of covered walkways, trails through the woods, and around our lake.  This organized activity takes place outdoors from May through November, although many residents can be seen walking outdoors throughout the winter. For more information, email us at marketing@sherwood-oaks.com.

On your marks, get set, walk!

Stay Healthy and Active in Retirement

It can be a struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle in your retirement, but we like to think we make it easy at Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community.

We have a fantastic fitness center available to residents at no additional cost to your package. The fitness center is run by Wellness and Health Promotion Manager, Mr. Bill Burtner. Bill is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania holding a master’s degree in sports science who is also a Certified health Fitness Specialist through the American College of Sports Medicine.

Bill serves as a personal trainer to each of our residents. After their move-in, Bill contacts new residents and invites them to visit the fitness center, where he can evaluate their health and goals and design a personal workout plan just for them. Our other more structured work out options include weekly exercise classes, Tai Chi, yoga, aquacize, and therapeutic massage.

In spring, summer, and fall, Bill also conducts a walking program and walks with our residents around our 84-acre campus.

For those who like to do their workouts on their own, our fitness center includes top-notch Keiser strength machines which operate on pneumatic air pressure. We also have treadmills, steppers, bicycles, and rowing machines, all accessible 24/7 to fit the schedules of our residents. Our campus also includes wooded trails and paths around our lake, and connected covered walkways between patio homes that provide three miles of cement walkways, perfect for connecting with friends while getting a healthy workout in.

There is no reason that you cannot have a relaxing retirement that also involves regular, healthy workouts. For more information on the fitness options available to you at Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community, watch this short video or call us at (800) 642-2217.