The Virginian's Walk Across America Program Helps Retirement Community Residents Excel

The Virginian, a continuing care retirement community in Fairfax, VA recently implemented a successful program using the NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer to motivate its residents to higher levels of physical fitness and overall wellness.

The Virginian has five NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer units, two in its rehabilitation department and three at its fitness center.  According to fitness specialist Michelle Logan, “Of all of the equipment available at the fitness center, the NuStep is by far the most popular piece of equipment.”

To initiate its newest NuStep, Logan developed an incentive program called “Walk Across America” using the three NuStep recumbent cross trainers in The Virginian’s fitness center.   Throughout the four week program, 33 residents tracked how many steps they took on the NuStep each time they exercised using push-pins and a map of the U.S.  The goal for “Walk Across America” participants was to “walk” via the NuStep from Virginia to the California coast.   

“Walk Across America’ was to encourage residents to exercise and have fun doing it,” Logan  added.  “Some residents came in to use the NuStep twice during the day to get themselves across more of the country!  Many were excited to see they had walked to their hometown or place of birth.   All did an outstanding job by demonstrating motivation to exercise and excelling to higher levels of fitness.”  

At the conclusion of the program, each “walker” was rewarded for their efforts with a NuStep T-shirt (donated by NuStep), participant ribbon and an individual progress log sheet. 

“All participants had a wonderful time and are looking forward to the next ‘Walk Across America,’ set to begin January 2007,” Logan said.  “The next walk will be extended to 6 weeks due to popular demand!”