By Lori Devine
Tennyson Health & Wellness Center

The back door to Tennyson Senior Living Community is the front door to a best-kept secret for Madison seniors wanting to get fit. It’s the Tennyson Health & Wellness Center (THWC), where everything is focused on the mature adult.

It is never too late to improve strength, flexibility, heart health and motor skills. 

Three components set THWC apart from many other facilities.

1. THWC offers equipment that caters to older adults by including safety handrails, wheelchair accessibility and supervision. Staff members are experienced, nationally certified trainers and coaches who are present at all times, and will provide members a complete equipment orientation at no extra charge.
2. THWC offers a warm-water therapy pool that is also an underwater treadmill. This pool offers tremendous benefits for older adults, especially those with mobility challenges. The floor of the pool rises and lowers to allow access — no ladders or steps necessary. The pool has an underwater camera to help seniors see and improve walking gait, balance, coordination and agility. 
3. THWC offers exercise classes tailored for our assisted living residents and other classes perfect for members of the public age 55 and older. Classes for residents include Chair Yoga, Chair Exercise and Chair Yo-Chi (a hybrid of yoga and tai chi). Nonresidents are offered a class called Senior Strength that focuses on muscular conditioning, flexibility and function. Both groups can enjoy the HydroWorx’s Aqua-Walk, a 30-minute treadmill walking fitness experience that improves heart, joint and muscle health.

Although THWC is new, I’ve been a part of Madison’s fitness scene for decades. I came from UW as their fitness/wellness director. In that position, I worked mostly with college-aged adults. I’m excited to bring my passion and enthusiasm for health and wellness to Madison’s older adult community. My mantra at Tennyson is no different from what I shared with my students and clients over many years: balance and moderation in all things.

THWC is a great, new option for older adults. If you are 55 or over and want to learn how exercise can improve your health, give THWC a call to schedule a visit. Come and see for yourself the newest, best-kept secret for older adults in Madison.

For information, contact Manager Lori Devine or Fitness/Wellness Specialist Kristin Baltz at 268-9649 or TennysonWellness@independentlivinginc.org.