Pump It: Seabrook Seniors Stay Fit in the New Year

Getting to the gym during the cold winter months is a struggle for many but for residents of Seabrook, it is a welcomed part of their daily routine.

“I come down here six days a week and every day I do aerobics,"  said resident Bob Zitch, who said three of those days he adds weight lifting and finish up with stretching. “I am 87 years old and the exercise just makes me feel good.”

Being a part of Seabrook, residents have access to a free fitness center and according to Gary Engelstadt, Director of Resident Life, the residents understand the value of fitness and enjoy spending their mornings working out.

“We are blowing away stereotypes, a lot of people think that seniors are just sitting around and watching TV," said Englestadt.  "You look around this room right now and see about 20 to 25 residents waking up at the crack of dawn and working out strenuously.”

With employees always there to help, no question goes unanswered, said Englestadt. Whether it’s advice on an exercise program or a needed lesson on a certain machine, the fitness center is fully staffed with knowledgeable and highly-trained individuals.

Judy Seger has been running the fitness center for 12 years and said that she still loves it.  “The residents are great, they really are wonderful people, and they work hard toward their goals,” Seger said.

For the residents the fitness center is more than just a place to work out, it is also a place to socialize, meet new people and make new friends.

“This is a huge part of my life right now, it’s a way of getting up and clearing out your head," said resident Culver Hayes. "Mentally, it’s good for you, and I miss it if I don’t do it.”

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