Primetime Living 9.27.26 - Flipbook - Page 19
| Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time to Get Moving
Continued from page 8
“Working with a personal trainer will
help you with strength training, which is
equally important to help fight the natural decline in muscle mass that occurs
with age. Lack of strength training also
decreases muscle mass, which slows
you down, and you grow weaker and
feel more tired,” Cerceo says.
The Merritt study greatly focused on
improved cardiovascular health to lower
the risk of heart disease, stroke, high
blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Cerceo notes that according to the Mayo
Clinic, you should get at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week – like
taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood – to lower your risk of heart
disease and keep your heart healthy.
“Regular exercise helps reduce your
risk of heart disease by strengthening
your heart muscle and lowering bad LDL
cholesterol, the primary cause of plaque
buildup in the arteries that increases the
risk of heart attacks. Exercise also low-
ers blood pressure, which lowers your
risk of cardiovascular issues like stroke
and heart attack,” Cerceo says.
Merritt’s personal trainers can also
provide health education, such as learning how often to exercise and what
exercises are best for you depending on
your age and fitness goals, while also
showing you how to be most effective
with the exercises you perform.
Beyond physical fitness and disease
prevention, the longevity study by Merritt
Clubs also found that those who participated discovered greater social con-
19
nections.
“One of the most important subjective
findings we had in the study did not come
from weights. Many participants reported feeling more confident, supported,
greater motivation, and better mood and
enjoyment throughout the day. Instead
of coming in for a workout, they came
in to be with friends,” the report stated.
“When you’re with others with common
interests and shared purpose, members
will feel happier and have more purpose
in their life, look forward and plan to
meet with friends more often, reduce
feelings of isolation and feel that they’re
a part of a more supportive community,”
the report concluded.
Cerceo adds, “Research shows that
lack of socialization is comparable to
smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. It
contributes to mental decline and physical stress. Joining a health club and
taking classes helps you make friends.
Our members keep coming because
they form relationships with our staff and
other members.”
Worry-Free Living Starts with a Plan
Now is a great time to look ahead.
A new Season of Possibilities is here, and the timing
matters. Demand at Glen Meadows is growing, and
those who act early are best positioned for the future
they want. Let’s put a plan together that fits your life,
your timeline, and your goals. This is the life you’ve
been planning for.
A 60+ Life Plan Community
Glen Arm, MD • 410.319.5320
www.psl.org/discoverglenmeadows
