SageLife recently wrapped up its highly successful third annual Fitness Challenge, an initiative designed to promote healthy living and the benefits of movement among both residents and staff.

Hosted in partnership with Move for Life Physical Therapy, the month-long event encouraged participants to reach their individual step goals, contributing to a collective effort to improve physical fitness, combat a sedentary lifestyle and foster a sense of community.

The challenge saw participants from across six SageLife communities competing to see how many steps they could take in 30 days.

From independent living to assisted living, staff and residents came together to support each other’s fitness journeys, and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

Between all communities, participants accumulated a total of more than 11,000 miles — enough to walk from the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York to the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles four times!

This remarkable achievement underscores the incredible dedication of both residents and staff to healthy movement.

The Fitness Challenge not only fostered friendly competition but also gave residents and staff the opportunity to take control of their health.

The importance of movement cannot be overstated, especially considering the harmful effects of prolonged sitting, which is linked to various health risks such as obesity, heart disease and even premature death.

A recent study from the Mayo Clinic highlights the dangers of sitting for extended periods, which can negatively affect metabolism and lead to poor circulation, among other issues.

“We want to encourage our residents and staff to move more every day, not just as part of the Fitness Challenge,” said Kim Smith, vice president of operations. “The challenge is a reminder that a few extra steps can make a big difference, and together, we can achieve extraordinary things. We’re creating stronger, healthier communities where movement is not just a goal, but a way of life.”

For more information on SageLife’s communities and programs, visit https://www.sagelife.com.