By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
Staying active can play an important role in maintaining strength, mobility and independence as people age. CrossFit Woodbridge is working to make strength and fitness training more approachable for local adults 55 and older through its Legends Program.
The Woodbridge gym will hold a free 55+ Legends Q&A session on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12:30 p.m. at CrossFit Woodbridge, 3310 Noble Pond Way, Woodbridge. No registration is required, and attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the program before deciding whether they want to participate.
BUILDING STRENGTH FOR EVERYDAY LIFE
CrossFit Woodbridge created the Legends Program around a straightforward idea: growing older does not have to mean giving up strength, capability or independence.
“Our goal is to give adults 55+ a program designed to build and maintain strength, mobility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness in a supportive environment,” said Nadine Shurland, MBA, Social Media & Member Relations for CrossFit Woodbridge.
The program focuses on helping participants stay active and continue doing the things they enjoy. Rather than expecting everyone to perform the same workout in the same way, coaches can adjust exercises to accommodate individual abilities.
NO CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
The Legends Program is open to adults 55 and older, including people who have never tried CrossFit or who have been away from exercise for some time.
Participants who have maintained an active lifestyle are welcome, too.
Coaches can modify movements, range of motion, weights, repetitions and workout intensity based on an individual’s abilities and needs. According to Shurland, the objective is to provide an appropriate challenge while helping participants move safely and confidently.
One misconception the CrossFit Woodbridge team hopes to address is the idea that someone must already be fit before beginning.
“You do not need to be fit to start,” Shurland said. “Our coach modifies the workouts to fit your current abilities, and you build from there.”
A FOCUS ON INDEPENDENCE
CrossFit Woodbridge says Legends participants have experienced improvements in areas including strength, balance, mobility, coordination, cardiovascular fitness and confidence in everyday movement.
The broader purpose is maintaining independence and helping participants continue activities that matter to them.
Before someone begins the program, the CrossFit Woodbridge team seeks to understand the participant’s current fitness level, movement abilities and limitations or concerns that could affect exercise.
The gym encourages people with a significant medical condition, recent surgery or injury, unexplained symptoms, or questions about whether exercise is appropriate for them to consult their physician before starting. Coaches can modify exercises, but the program is not a substitute for medical care.
LEARN ABOUT LEGENDS AT A FREE Q&A
During the Sept. 24 Q&A, Coach Joe will explain what a typical Legends class looks like, how the programming works and how exercises can be modified. Attendees can also ask questions about workouts and membership.
No special equipment is needed to attend the session.
The Legends Program meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. New participants can attend two complimentary classes to experience the program, meet the coaches and other participants, and determine whether it is a good fit for them.
The free Q&A begins at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24 at CrossFit Woodbridge, 3310 Noble Pond Way, Woodbridge. No advance registration is required.
Rebecca Barnes is the publisher of Prince William Living, the area’s premier quality-of-life magazine. A longtime Prince William County business and community leader, she is also CEO of Imagine, a marketing and communications agency. Through Prince William Living, Barnes works to connect readers with the people, businesses, organizations and resources shaping life in the Prince William community.
