The EnhanceFitness Program was designed specifically with older participants in mind. It is intended to promote a healthy, social lifestyle among mature adults. The exercises focus on the most important health aspects for mature adults such as balance and low-impact exercises.
For Participants with Exercise-Related Problems
You may experience some discomfort due to the exercises you are doing with our program.
In the event that you should have sore muscles or increased stiffness in your body, be sure to tell your EnhanceFitness instructor at your next class.
If you experience any of the following problems, call 911 immediately and phone your doctor:
- Dizziness, faintness, or light-headedness
- Strong, shooting pain in the chest, arms, or neck
- Extreme shortness of breath or crushing pain in the chest
- Nausea
- Shakiness
- Discomfort in the upper body, including chest, arms, neck, or jaw
- Numbness or inability to move in a normal manner
Common Chronic Conditions and EnhanceFitness
Many EnhanceFitness participants have had the chronic conditions below and have successfully participated in the program. However, it is best to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Arthritis – Regular physical activity is part of day-to-day management of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. EnhanceFitness has been found to be appropriate for adults with mild osteoarthritis. Adults with more severe arthritis, or who have never engaged in a physical activity routine before, should consult their physician before starting EnhanceFitness. If you have a “joint flare,” it is best to do less exercise, use a lower amount of weight, or to avoid exercise for that period of time.
Joint Replacement – Your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist should advise you in which activities you can or cannot participate. Please provide your EnhanceFitness instructor with a copy of those instructions. Do not perform any activities that hurt or make you feel uncomfortable.
Angina – If you have any chest pain, you should not engage in exercise until that pain is diagnosed. If the pain is angina, your physician will provide you with an exercise plan that you should follow. Please provide your EnhanceFitness instructor with a copy of that plan. Exercise is important for people with ischemic heart disease and angina, but all activities should be approved by a doctor. If you have had coronary artery bypass, your EnhanceFitness instructor will need medical clearance before you can participate in the exercise.
Diabetes – A regular exercise routine is another aspect of managing diabetes. Adults with diabetes are encouraged to participate in EnhanceFitness, however, blood sugar must be properly monitored to avoid hypoglycemia and participants must take care to find properly fitting shoes.
Lung Disease – Exercise, especially endurance exercises such as walking, improves the health of people with emphysema. If you have been diagnosed with a more severe case of lung disease, please see your doctor before engaging in EnhanceFitness. Medical clearance and a copy of your activity plan must be given to the EnhanceFitness instructor before participating in the class. Individuals who have lung disease are encouraged to perform the modified chair exercises.
Congestive Heart Failure – If you have had mild or moderate heart failure, your doctor may have prescribed regular exercise. This program can provide that opportunity for you. If you have had severe heart failure, it is not recommended for you to participate in the class. Please speak with your doctor to learn more about other medically supervised exercise programs.
Osteoporosis – Adults with osteoporosis can benefit from EnhanceFitness exercises, which are critical in helping to build and maintain bone mass. However, if your physician has specifically indicated that you should avoid exercise, you should not participate in EnhanceFitness. For added precaution, individuals with osteoporosis who are just beginning an exercise program are encouraged to use the chair modifications for the exercises.
Thank you for your interest in EnhanceFitness – we look forward to seeing you in class.
Get ready to Enhance Your Life with EnhanceFitness!
Current Enhance Fitness Sites
The Center @ Jenks Rest
1915 Scott Street
Lafayette, IN
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Times: 8:00-9:00a
The Fowler Madison Cottages
1106 S. Shawn Ranae Drive
Fowler, IN
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Times: 9:00-10:00a
Friendship Circle Center
1307 Pearl Street
Covington, IN
Days: Tuesday, Thursday
Times: 9:00-10:00a
For more information, please call:
Wellness and Prevention Coordinator
Area IV Agency on Aging
(765)447-7683 or (800) 382-7556