Northwestern Medicine - Empower Health

"PEOPLE TEND TO become creatures of habit, doing the same things over and over again, but exercising together makes them more willing to test their limits because everyone is in the same boat," says Chris Laurent, ATC, athletic trainer at KishHealth System Physical Therapy Center. "The experience also builds confidence and self-esteem." Chris Bade, a retiree from Somonauk, Ill., and her sister, Veronica Phillips, who lives in Minneapolis, enjoy taking active vacations together. During the past five years, Laurent has designed strength training and cardiovascular workouts to help prepare the sisters for hiking trips to South America and Africa. "Chris and I knew we needed to be fit to fully enjoy those experiences," Veronica says. "The Peru trip was the more grueling of the two—we were both very glad we had worked with Laurent beforehand." "When you exercise with a partner, you push each other to keep going," her sister, Chris says. "Planning a time to reconnect also provides something to look forward to." Stepping Out Walking tops the list of best buddy exercises for adults. "Walking allows the hip, knee, and ankle joints to stay loose, helping individuals better control how they move as they get older," says Chris Laurent, a certified athletic trainer at KishHealth System Physical Therapy C enter. "Practicing this exercise with a partner allows you to motivate each other." Looking for other ways to get fit and stay social? Make a regular appointment to go to the gym with a friend—the equipment will seem less intimidating if you learn how to use it together— or enroll in an aquatic therapy or yoga class. Let's Get (FIT) Together WORKING OUT WITH A PARTNER OR GROUP OF FRIENDS CAN MAKE EXERCISING LESS DAUNTING AND MORE FUN. KISHPROGRAMS.ORG Group Conditioning This class is designed to give a small group of individuals a more personalized approach to conditioning, while emphasizing cardiovascular health, flexibility, core stability, general strength and balance. $100/Person - Registration Required KISHHEALTH SYSTEM PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER - 815.748.8900 Mon., Wed., & Fri., Feb. 1 - Apr. 30, 6 - 7 am "Chris and I knew we needed to be fit to fully enjoy those experiences," Veronica says. "The Peru trip was the more grueling of the two—we were both very glad we had "When you exercise with a partner, you push each other to keep going," her sister, Chris says. "Planning a time to reconnect also provides something to look forward to." ⁄ S PR I N G 1 5 5

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