Devonshire's Fitness Experts Transform Senior Wellness with Personalized Programs

Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has significantly enhanced its wellness offerings through the expertise of fitness specialists Deborah Mazda and Remy Harwood. Mazda, who holds a master's degree in physiology and sports psychology with 40 years of experience, partners with Harwood to provide personalized fitness programs for seniors, emphasizing strength training to combat muscle loss. The community's state-of-the-art fitness center serves as the hub for these activities, equipped with top-notch strength and cardio machines, free weights, and accessories, with orientations and tailored exercise plans for newcomers.

Group classes are a cornerstone of Devonshire's approach, led by Mazda and Harwood and tailored to seniors' abilities, including Pilates Circles, yoga, stretching, cardiovascular workouts, and aquatics classes. The newly introduced Pilates Circles class, developed by Mazda, combines yoga, Pilates, and balance work while seated, becoming highly popular among residents like Toni Goodman, who reports feeling "loose and limber" after sessions. Additionally, the fitness team is developing a Rock Steady Boxing class for those with Parkinson's, designed to slow disease progression. The personalized instruction and variety of options have led to improved health, energy, and happiness among community members, with testimonials highlighting transformative results, such as regained mobility and the ability to enjoy social activities like dancing.