At Camellia Place, one of our core philosophies is “adding life to years”. We find an incredible amount of value in our residents becoming a part of our community and having enriching experiences every day. One of the valuable experiences that we are dedicated to is our Body Recall class. Held every Tuesday morning in ten week increments, Body Recall emphasizes strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. The class is lead by Nathan Brandon, our Director of Marketing and Communications, and our local Body Recall expert. Not only does Nathan teach our classes, but he is Body Recall trained and certified, “I received training as a Body Recall Instructor in January of 1986, during the week of the NASA Space Challenger disaster. We spent Sunday night through the following Saturday attending classes and receiving instruction in how the program should be taught. Then, I received recertification in January of 2013 by attending a week long recertification class,” Nathan explains.
Nathan’s expertise doesn’t end there. In fact, he leads a group that started three years ago at Cherokee County Senior Services. While it started with humble beginnings, now their enrollment has grown to an enrollment of over 100 seniors! He says, “We average 65 to 70 seniors each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for class. Since we outgrew the Senior Center, we now meet at the Boys & Girls Club gymnasium on Univeter Road. The seniors’ commitment to the class, and to one another, has been an inspiration to me.”
A majority of the movements in Body Recall are performed from a chair, so that safety is maintained, but seniors get to experience a little fun, too. In fact, they get great joy out of using the large, colorful parachute in class. While there are many advantages in participating, one of the main benefits is that participants have successful exercise experiences that help them remain independent as long as possible. The class also includes fall recovery training that helps them safely move to the floor from their chair, and then safely return to their seat. Most guests experience the joy of successfully completing an hour of movement leaving them invigorated and refreshed. Even more encouraging? No previous experience is required. Through the use of specific movements and the use of apparatus such as foam balls, elastic bands and wooden sticks, they experience all the benefits of full range of motion and sustained strength.
Of course, participants reap more than physical benefits. “The classes also provide meaningful social and physical activities. By the end of ten weeks, seniors have experienced mutual support and encouragement, so that they feel a part of the group,” Nathan shares. He continues, “The Body Recall program fits perfectly with the philosophy of care that exists at Camellia Place. The ability to “add life to years” for our residents is accomplished through the benefits of Body Recall. Currently, we have 17 residents of nearby communities that enjoy Body Recall each Tuesday morning at the Community House.”
For more information about the Camellia Place lifestyle, visit https://camelliaplace.com/lifestyle/.
