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“People want to see results right away,’’ said Edsall, the Director of Community Health and Wellness at Burke. “Today we have a fast paced society. People want to see results right away. It’s important for people to outline their goals, but also discuss how realistic their goals are. You need to work within a time frame that is safe.”
Edsall oversees the Adult Fitness Center at Burke, which is exclusively for people over 40. The Center has been operating for 15 years, and also accepts individuals with qualifying medical conditions. While there are a host of fitness facilities available in the region, Burke’s is different because of its client centered approach and age requirement.
“The importance of a facility like ours is increasing because Baby Boomers are now getting ready to go into their retirement years,’’ Edsall said. “Health and wellness is increasingly important as we age. It’s important to have a center that caters to the needs of that population.”
Furthermore, people get sound advice when they visit Burke’s Fitness Center. Each member is entitled to three one-hour sessions with a nationally accredited certified fitness instructor. They review health history, set goals and build programs around the member’s goals and commitment level.
Perhaps more important, goals and progress are re-assessed every three months.
“That’s a critical part of the program,’’ Edsall said. “It keeps our clients accountable to those goals. It helps us check in. At another facility, a member could become just another number. Our clients can ask questions and receive guidance if they’re struggling to reach their goals.”
Members also receive program tracking with Fitlinxx, staff-supervised training areas, reduced rates on group exercise classes and competitive pricing on massage therapy and personal training. Membership packages are offered for six or 12 months.
Edsall finds decreasing motivation a frequent obstacle for many people on their fitness journey. Particularly in the new year, people start out with good intentions. A month later, or less, they have overdone it. They are beset by aches and pains, and lack the incentive or guidance to continue a safe routine. Edsall’s team helps break down those barriers.
“An important aspect of our orientation is discussing with the client what they have done in the past and why it hasn’t worked,’’ she said. “It’s important to identify barriers to success and plan how the client will navigate around them if those barriers arise again.”
Edsall, who joined Burke in 2014, earned her Bachelor and Masters of Science degree from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer. She previously worked with the Connecticut Challenge as a Cancer Exercise Trainer.
She does not promise quick results. She does promise, however, that as society becomes more sedentary , there will be a dramatic rise in health issues. She says we must act now to prevent the rise of disease and improve fitness and overall wellness.
“I would advise people to write down their goals for the upcoming year,’’ Edsall said. “Keep a journal of your struggles and your successes, set small goals that you know you can achieve along the way to make sure you’re still on the right path. Don’t forget, health and wellness is not just your exercise program. Your level of stress, time management and finances can all play a part into your health and well-being.”
For more information about the Adult Fitness Center at Burke Rehabilitation Center, click here or contact them at 914-597-2805.
