Pinehurst Today

From March 17, 2023 post.

We are so pleased to have partnered with Better Together Montgomery to offer the Lifelong Improvements through Fitness Together (LIFT) in the Peabody Community during the fall of 2022. Earlier this week, we were finally able to gather together again to celebrate the huge accomplishments made by this group. We recognized 10 participants for having completed the program, and recognized three for having perfect (or nearly perfect attendance).

As part of the program, participants complete pre and post functional fitness assessments. During our final celebration, we celebrated the following "Most Improved" awards:

- Balance - Louise Bennett

-Chair Stand - Mary Horne

-Bicep Curls - Fritzie Greene

-Two Minute Step Test - Clara Armstrong

-Sit 'N Reach - Bridgette Bennett

-Back Scratch - Sue Ann Lewis

-Up 'N Go - Hattie Stanback

Our "Most Improved Overall" award was given to Hattie Stanback.

Functional fitness testing demonstrated class averages to have improved in all areas (strength, flexibility and balance). Chair Stands, Bicep Curls and the Step Test all measure strength. The class average for chair stands was 7.8 and 10.1 (pre and post), for bicep curls was 17 and 26.9; and the step test measured 55.7 (pre) and 74.1 (post). The overall balance average increased from 39.93 seconds to 43.69 seconds. Flexibility is measured by the sit and reach activity and the back scratch, which also demonstrated improvements. Furthermore, results of Try Healthy evaluations indicated improvements in fruit consumption as well as decreases in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Participants reported increases in the number of days they exercise for at least 30 minutes. One participant, Ms. Ava Hill, stated that the program gave her the confidence to keep moving and improve her health. "I feel healthier and can do more stuff by myself without being scared I'm gonna get hurt."

Please join us in congratulating these ladies for all of their hard work and accomplishments.

If you are interested in finding out more about the LIFT program, please contact Rhonda Peters or Elizabeth Thompson.

Source can be found here.