Fox Hill Village, located in Westwood, MA is a Senior Living Community to approximately 400 residents.  Since the newly renovated Fitness Center opened in 2021 the communities participation rate has grown to an impressive 65%.  We sat down with Linda Riley, Director of Fitness and Stephanie Giroux, Fitness Specialist to discover how they were able to accomplish this impressive feat.

Q: Your community has an impressive participation rate! What do you believe is impacting your success?

Linda: We believe these three factors have led to our higher participation rate.

1. Scheduling a 1:1 Orientation: When we first received the HUR equipment, we scheduled a 1:1 orientation with each resident. The previous equipment was intimidating and was difficult for them to use, so being trained on the new HUR equipment helped them experience just how easy the machines are to use.

2. Technology Enabled Equipment: Having technology enabled equipment made it simple. The HUR SmartTouch technology allows our residents to use the machines independently and quickly. Our residents are so busy, and there is always something for them to do. But having equipment that can auto-load their training program and capture their progress makes it easy for them to fit in their HUR exercise circuit because it is fast and efficient.

3. Success Begets Success: Our residents regularly talk with one another about their strength training plans and how being stronger is helping them stay independent and live a healthy and vibrant life. Our personal trainers do a great job helping our residents train specifically for their goals, such as getting up from a chair independently or dancing at a wedding. With HUR SmartTouch, we are able to build a strength training plan that helps them meet those goals.

Q: You mentioned having the right equipment is important if you want your residents to strength train. Can you explain why this makes a difference?

Stephanie: The average age of our residents is 82, and we have many active adults over 90! Although our previous equipment was pneumatic, it was bulky, had hard and uncomfortable seats, and it was nearly impossible for them to independently make the necessary adjustments to the seat, levers, and resistance settings. Quite frankly, it was equipment built for a much younger audience. A lot of our residents are women with smaller frames, and, for some of them, they couldn’t even get on or off the equipment without assistance. Some just avoided using it altogether. The HUR equipment is not only attractive and less intimidating visually but also has additional features such as strong and sturdy hand grips that make it easier to get on and off.

Q: What impact does having equipment enabled with technology make in your fitness center?

Linda: Overall, equipment enabled with the HUR SmartTouch technology makes for a much more enjoyable experience! Instead of carrying around a piece of paper with their seat and resistance settings, all they have to do is scan their RFID band, and the equipment auto adjusts and documents their workout. They don’t need to have any anxiety about remembering what they did or turning anything in when they are done. The Power function has been a great tool for personal training and gives the residents a visual goal to hit. The range of motion features helps them do the entire movement to ensure they aren’t cheating themselves.

Q: Can you share some success stories with us?

Stephanie: Sure! Here are just a few things our residents are saying:

“I was having back pain every morning. I walk a lot and I used to think strength training was boring.  Thanks to the encouragement of the Fox Hill trainers I gave it a try, and I was wrong! IT CHANGED MY LIFE! I feel stronger.  I use the HUR equipment every day and it helps me with my overall wellbeing.  A win-win."  - Ernie

“It has improved my strength! I like the way the machine tells me what to do in terms of weight, sets to do, etc. I do not have to think about it. It makes me want to come more!” - Elaine

“Getting up out of my chair is easier.” - Valerie

“I love that my workout is efficient and quick.” - D Smith