Coterie + Elevation Health: Creating Smarter Solutions for Senior Fitness

All of this means that a smart exercise regimen should be an essential part of any older adult’s wellness plan. Whether you want to continue your existing exercise routines, find ways to improve your fitness level, or simply maintain your independence and autonomy, you’ll want to prioritize a physical wellness plan that fulfills your interests and needs. And you’ll want to have experts that you can count on to make certain you’re getting optimal fitness care as you age.

To ensure our residents have access to the best exercise and wellness options, Coterie has collaborated with Elevation Health to create a top-tier fitness program. With four decades of experience building successful fitness environments, and with a specialization in fostering active aging programs for older adults, Elevation Health provides Coterie residents with innovative and engaging wellness solutions.

What does an elite fitness program look like for older adults?

 

A first-class fitness program tailored to older adults should emphasize four key aspects:

Enhanced cardiovascular health – Regular aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Improved strength and balance – As we age, we lose muscle mass and bone density. Strength training exercises and activities that improve balance help older adults maintain regular muscle function, prevent falls, and reduce the risk of fractures.

Increased flexibility and mobility – Regular stretching and exercises like yoga can improve joint range of motion, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall mobility.

Mental health benefits – Consistent physical exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, creating a sense of overall wellbeing and lessening the risk of depression and anxiety. It can also improve cognitive function and reduce the chance of developing dementia.

In addition, a fitness program that addresses all these points will help older adults keep a healthy body weight, reduce the chance of chronic diseases like diabetes, and continue to independently perform daily activities such as dressing and bathing as they age.

The Coterie + Elevation Health approach

 

Coterie believes that any fitness program for older adults should prioritize physical ability and cognitive function. And Coterie’s relationship with Elevation Health means that residents will be working with trained professionals who specialize in both.

“The biggest distinction between a typical senior living community and a Coterie one is that at Coterie we have actual certified specialists teaching the classes,“ says Ally Crockett, Coterie’s Director of Hospitality Innovation. “That’s where the relationship with Elevation Health comes in.”

Coterie focuses on residents’ fitness plans from Day One. As part of their orientation, new residents receive a health assessment created in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. This assessment is based on individual evaluations from a personal physical therapist, an occupational therapist, an Elevation fitness specialist, and the Coterie Community Resident Engagement Team.

The final assessment helps Coterie determine where residents are in their fitness journey by assigning them to one of three fitness levels:

• Level 1 – Significant balance challenges, poor mobility and strength. Reliance on wheelchair or other devices and inability to transfer independently, as from a wheelchair into a bathtub.
• Level 2 – Mild balance challenge, decent mobility and functional strength, might require light exercise assistance or handholds for transfers.
• Level 3 – Already active, relatively fit, very good mobility and functional strength, independent transfers.

Once residents know their fitness level, they can choose a fitness program that best suits their fitness interests and needs. Regular fitness equipment orientation sessions are offered for all residents.

Upscale fitness centers in luxury surroundings

 

Coterie’s New York and San Francisco communities provide residents with a true upscale urban fitness center experience. The goal of the Coterie and Elevation Health collaboration is to make the transition to a luxury assisted living fitness program as seamless as possible – if you’re used to going to E by Equinox or similar high-end establishments, then you’ll feel right at home in a Coterie fitness center.

Residents have free access to the fitness facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing them to work out according to their own schedules. The elegantly designed fitness spaces feature state-of-the-art workout equipment, including low-impact weight machines, treadmills, exercise bikes, resistance bands, and stability balls. High windows afford beautiful city views, while a lounge area provides comfortable seating where residents can take a break and socialize.

The gym area is fully staffed by certified fitness professionals available to answer any questions or provide assistance. For residents who prefer an even more specialized fitness regimen, personal trainers can be retained for a fee.

A sampling of fitness classes at Coterie

 

There are 14 group classes offered every week, with different start times throughout the day to accommodate residents’ different daily routines. All classes are led by certified Elevation Health fitness specialists.

Below are some sample classes offered to Coterie residents in independent or assisted living.

Aqua Fit

Aqua Fit is a high energy, low-impact, pool-based class that will raise your aerobic threshold, strengthen your core, and improve balance while keeping things easy on your joints.

Strength and Tone

This full-body workout combines isometric exercises and techniques from ballet, Pilates, yoga, and bursts of low-impact cardio to strengthen and tone.

Dance Cardio

This energy-boosting class combines a variety of easy-to-follow dance moves to create a fun, dynamic workout. All levels are welcome and no prior dance experience is required.

Low-Impact Aerobics

An invigorating aerobic workout that engages the whole body and increases cardiovascular endurance while minimizing the stress on bones and joints.

Hatha Yoga

This non-impact class will help increase body awareness, strength, and relaxation. Residents will learn many kinds of yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditation methods while improving flexibility and balance.

Pilates Core and Flexibility

This class will safely guide you through an exercise sequence designed to build strength, stability, and flexibility.

Fitness options for memory care residents

 

Coterie and Elevation Health have given special consideration to the fitness needs of residents receiving memory care. Morning and afternoon flexibility classes will help increase their range of motion and relieve tension in tight muscles by emphasizing deep breathing, slow movements, and gentle stretching. Other courses offer functional resistance band training and core training to improve balance and stability.

Full-body group fitness courses are offered in Coterie’s outdoor spaces for an especially aesthetically pleasing exercise environment. At Coterie’s Hudson Yard location, for example, classes are held on the outdoor terrace, with a beautiful view of the New York skyline. There are even boxing classes offered to improve coordination and cardiovascular endurance with the use of focus mitts and punching bags.

Why Coterie is the best choice for your fitness journey

 

As we get older, exercise and fitness are essential to maintaining our physical and cognitive health as well as prolonging our mobility and independence. In choosing the right luxury assisted living community, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the best personal wellness care available. With Coterie and Elevation Health, you can enjoy your golden years in a world-class, thoughtfully tailored fitness program that’s engaging, healthy, and fun.

Coterie operates a portfolio of luxury senior living communities spanning the East and West Coasts. Please note that the services, partnerships, and amenities mentioned in this article may vary by location.