Elisha Buster stepped into her new role at the UNMC Engage Wellness Program three months before COVID-19 forced the shutdown of her program’s fitness facility. For someone who had 16 years of experience working at the YMCA, like many, Buster found herself navigating new waters.
“It’s been an interesting learning curve,” said Buster, wellness manager. “We wanted to keep our members connected and healthy. Staying active is extremely important for health. There’s also the mental and social benefits.”
While people turned to home and outdoor workouts, Buster and her staff turned to the Internet to create virtual workouts and classes.
They offered virtual fitness classes via Facebook Live beginning in late March, with staff teaching from home.
Classes, which are tailored for older adults and people with chronic medical conditions, include a variety of stretching classes, beginning Tai Chi, strength, cardio, step or low impact aerobics and line dancing. There are three classes a day Mondays through Thursdays and a group exercise class on Fridays.
Classes are recorded and can be played anytime.
A private Facebook virtual membership group started June 1 for individuals wanting to continue virtual fitness classes. In-person classes currently are not offered.
“Our members like being connected virtually, seeing familiar faces,” Buster said. “And some of our virtual members have tried classes they might not have tried in person. I think it’s a less intimidating environment at home.”
In July, by appointment, Buster and her staff opened the facility to current members using cardio and strength equipment (equipment is 10 feet apart). About 70 have returned so far.
Buster said the temporary halt in regular exercise can mean loss of strength and flexibility as well as an effect on diabetes, heart conditions and blood pressure. She said starting back slow is important.
“We’ve advised our members to start back in lower intensity or weights. We’ve seen some loss of strength and flexibility so we stress the importance of starting out slow.
“Even if someone has done a lot of walking at home, if they’ve not continued strength-building, it takes a while to get it back.”
Buster said virtual membership classes, which are currently taking new members, have been popular and will continue indefinitely with a hope to expand outside of Omaha.
Miriam Sward has a virtual membership in the Engage Wellness Program.
“The classes have been a game changer in my fitness and wellness journey,” she said. “The variety of classes allow me to design my own workout schedule for the whole week. The instructors give modifications for movements allowing participation at any level and ability.
“I have tried and added classes I didn’t think I’d like or be able to do. These instructors keep changing the movements to make it fun, interesting, and motivating.”
I love this! I have been desperately looking for a series of exercises that will improve my posture. The computer, the phone, the desk = slump. A recorded exercise routine from a trusted source in medicine and/or physical therapy would be fantastic! I hope you will consider offering one. Thank you!!