Blakehurst’s Comprehensive Wellness Program Helps Residents Thrive
Blakehurst’s wellness program is all about giving residents the ability to live well, move confidently, and stay engaged in the activities and relationships that are important to them. Its practical and purposeful approach supports real-life activities.
“Our main philosophy is functionality,” explains the premier senior living community’s Wellness Director, Kayla Suchocki. “We want residents to be able to do the everyday things — spending time with their grandkids, getting out with friends, and moving through their day with confidence. Fitness helps prime their bodies to do the things they want to do.”
A Year-Long Commitment to the Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Each year begins with Blakehurst’s Wellness Wheel presentation, a reminder of the community’s holistic and comprehensive 8 Dimensions of Wellness program. Residents are invited to explore classes, trips, clubs, performances, and other events and opportunities that promote physical, intellectual, social, emotional, environmental, vocational, and spiritual wellness, and learn more about Blakehurst’s Health Services.
“There’s so much available to them here,” Suchocki says. “From the classes, the heated pool, extensive walking paths, and our fully equipped fitness center, aerobics and yoga studio, to all the incredible programming Director of Life Enrichment Debra Bartgis arranges that focuses on the less physical aspects of wellness. The Wellness Wheel shows them how all of the dimensions, amenities, and programming work together to support a full, vibrant, satisfying life.”
The Fitness Superpowers Program
One of the most exciting initiatives launching this year is the Fitness Superpowers program, a NIFS-wide initiative designed to shift how older adults think about exercise and aging. The program was created by Josh Bredimus of Sagewood, an LCS community in Arizona, to move beyond the idea that older adults should simply aim to maintain their abilities.
“The Superpowers program challenges the belief that maintenance is the best older adults can hope for,” Bredimus explains. The program focuses on six essential skills for active aging — posture, flexibility, reflexes, strength, balance, and hand grip — and provides enough training time for residents to see real, measurable progress.
That approach has resonated quickly at Blakehurst. “We’ve already had 87 residents sign up,” Suchocki notes. “People were ready to jump in and get started.”
January and February focus on posture, an often-overlooked foundation of healthy movement. Improving posture can reduce fall risk, ease joint and muscle strain, support organ function, and help alleviate common concerns such as neck pain and headaches. Residents complete simple assessments at the beginning and end of each eight-week session and follow guided, progressive exercises designed to build strength and confidence over time.
“What I really love about this program is the flexibility,” Suchocki says. “Residents can join in at any point during the eight weeks, and we’re able to meet them where they are while still challenging them to improve.”
Movement That Defies Expectations
Group fitness classes are very popular at Blakehurst, and several are offered each weekday to suit residents’ needs, abilities, and preferences. Body Blast — a fast-paced, choreographed class inspired by classic aerobics — is a favorite with many.
“It’s one of those classes that really surprises people,” Suchocki says. “Family members and even grandkids are often amazed when they see what residents can do. It completely changes the way people think about aging.”
Seasonal offerings like line dancing and newly introduced cardio drumming add variety and fun, especially during the winter months. “Line dancing is great because it combines movement, music, and choreography,” Suchocki adds. “We use a wide range of music, and residents really enjoy the challenge and the creativity. It’s good for your cardiovascular health, but it supports your cognitive health and boosts your mood, too.”
Wellness with a Purpose
At Blakehurst, wellness is not about extremes or unrealistic goals. It is about building strength, confidence, and independence in ways that are attainable and meaningful.
“Our goal is to help residents stay engaged in their own lives,” Suchocki says. “When people feel stronger and more capable, they’re more likely to participate, socialize, and enjoy everything the community has to offer.”
Discover the Blakehurst Difference Yourself
If you’re searching for a senior living community where health and happiness are a part of everyday life, we invite you to experience Blakehurst for yourself. Call 410-441-5996 or visit blakehurstlcs.com/contact/ to schedule a personal tour.