Proactive Fitness

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

The ProActive approach is an all encompassing approach to improving our overall physical function.

We developed our programming based off of the Functional Aging Training Model created by Functional Aging Institute .

Life needs us to be strong, agile, mobile, resilient & balanced. We train to be prepared for life.

10/21/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗪. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝟴𝟯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗛𝗲'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲.

"Movement has always been part of who I am, and it still fuels my energy and independence today," King told Tom's Guide earlier this year.

King's routine reminds us that some of the best exercises aren't necessarily new. As fitness technology advances, old-fashioned workouts remain remarkably effective and appealing for many people.

And the American College of Sports Medicine ranked fitness programs for older adults No. 2 among its top trends for 2026. Traditional strength training and functional fitness also made the list.

𝗔 𝗙𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀

Here are five classics worth another look.

𝗥𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴. This familiar gym machine provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout using legs, glutes, back, arms and core. It's good at any fitness level, whether you're warming up for five minutes or rowing steadily for half an hour.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀. Yep -- push-ups, squats, lunges and other bodyweight exercises. A 2026 study of adults over 65 found that eight weeks of calisthenics improved balance and performance on physical and cognitive tests. Doing it to music brought greater gains.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴. This classic strengthens the legs while challenging the cardiovascular system. A 2025 study found it improved muscle power in older adults, offering a practical addition to workouts.

𝗞𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀. These cannonball-shaped weights date back centuries. Today, they're used for squats, swings, carries and other movements that develop strength, coordination and power. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends these to help older adults maintain power for everyday activities.

𝗝𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲. A childhood favorite remains a challenging cardio workout that also develops coordination, rhythm and agility. It's inexpensive and portable.

𝗜 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳

The benefits of traditional exercise aren't limited to professional trainers or lifelong athletes.

Jean Stewart, now 96, joined a gym at 81, after ordinary tasks became harder.

“I got to the point where I didn’t have the strength to prune my roses,” she told The Guardian. “I like to do things for myself. I see people 30 years younger than me, and they’ve given up.”

She gradually developed remarkable strength and continues working out twice weekly, doing exercises such as push-ups, squats and sled pushes.

She proves that building strength and stamina doesn't require trendy tech.

Sometimes, the old ways still work beautifully.

10/19/2026

Any time the Chris Severs prowler loops come out, our clients know it’s going to be some work!

Adding the leg training harness with 1.5/41 super loops to the equation is no joke!

Efficient & effective strength training.

Keep up the great work ladies!

10/19/2026

When you think about exercise for heart health, walking, running or swimming might come to mind first.

But lifting weights deserves a place on that list, too!

A major study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women who regularly did strength training had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers followed more than 117,000 women for nearly 15 years. Those who did at least two hours of strength training per week had a 𝟮𝟬% 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 than those who didn't strength train. Their risk of heart attack was 𝟰𝟰% 𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿.

While these findings don't prove that lifting weights directly prevents heart attacks, they add to growing evidence that strength training benefits much more than our muscles and bones.

And you don't have to choose between weights and cardio. The study found additional benefits for women who combined strength training with aerobic exercise.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲? 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵.

Canadian physical activity guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity each week and do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

𝗔 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵, 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲.

10/17/2026

🥦 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 & 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗭𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗕 𝗦𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗘 🍋🌿

Looking for a delicious, nutritious meal that's packed with flavour?

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that's rich in fibre and nutrients, naturally low in calories, and surprisingly filling!

This recipe combines perfectly roasted, warmly spiced cauliflower with tender pearl couscous and a fresh, tangy herb sauce. Add a sprinkle of feta for a little extra protein!

🍽️ 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗦: 𝟰

🌿 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗕 𝗦𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗘
• 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

🥦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥
• 1½ tsp sweet paprika
• ¾ tsp ground cumin
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

🍚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗦
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked pearl (Israeli) couscous
• 1½ cups boiling water
• ½ cup crumbled feta (optional)

👩‍🍳 𝗟𝗘𝗧'𝗦 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚!

𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

𝟮. 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗲: Combine parsley, shallot, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until combined.

𝟯. 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: Mix the paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Toss cauliflower with 2 tbsp olive oil and half the spice mixture. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.

𝟰. 𝗧𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘀: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous and remaining spices. Stir for 3–4 minutes until lightly toasted.

𝟱. 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿: Add boiling water, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender and the water is absorbed.

𝟲. 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 & 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆: Combine couscous, roasted cauliflower, and herb sauce. Toss gently and top with feta if desired!

💚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗡𝗨𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗜𝗣: Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated! Including a variety of colourful vegetables, fibre-rich foods, and satisfying flavours can help support your overall health and wellness.

📌 𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗣𝗘 for your next meal-prep day!

Recipe credit: Susan Puckett

10/16/2026

𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗗.

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱!

Brenda recently experienced a moment that showed her just how valuable her ProActive training has become.

While leaving a local business, she missed a step, caught her foot and started to stumble. Everything happened so quickly that she couldn't remember exactly how she reacted, but somehow 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘁!

In fact, she ended up turned nearly 180 degrees, landing in a crouched position like a runner ready to take off!

Having experienced falls before joining ProActive, Brenda was shaken but grateful for her quick reaction.

She credits her 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿/𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, including the quick turns, explosive movements, slam ball tosses and crouched positions practiced in class.

As Brenda put it:
“𝗜𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁.”

This is what training for life is all about! Building strength, balance, coordination and reaction time so our bodies are better prepared for unexpected situations.

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗻, 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮!

10/14/2026

Bob Wittig is 92 years old. He works out three times a week, mows his own lawn and enjoys playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And he didn't start lifting weights until he was 61.

Wittig has been working out consistently for 31 years. His 60- to 90-minute sessions target his entire body, from legs to shoulders to chest. He discovered the benefits of strength training after retiring from General Motors and decided to stick with it.

“If there's one thing I am, it's disciplined, and when I get into something and I see the benefit of it, it's going to stay,” Wittig told Geezer Jock. “It's going to be a keeper.”

His story offers a powerful reminder about fitness later in life: 𝗪𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗲

Beginning around age 30, adults gradually lose muscle mass, a process that accelerates with age and inactivity. This can make everyday activities increasingly difficult, from climbing stairs to carrying groceries.

Strength training helps counteract muscle loss, strengthens bones and helps us maintain the physical ability to enjoy life independently. It can also help manage body fat and blood sugar.

Research shows that people can gain muscle and strength well into their 70s, 80s and 90s.

You don't need to match Wittig's workouts to benefit. 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵-𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁. At ProActive Fitness, you'll learn proper techniques, exercise at your own level and gradually increase the challenge as you get stronger.

The important thing is to start and keep going.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴

For Wittig, the rewards extend well beyond the gym. His regular workouts help him stay active around the house and enjoy time with his family. He doesn't see his age as a reason to stop challenging himself.

“I want to be able to work out with my kids, my grandkids, and my great grandkids,” he says.

That's a wonderful reason to keep exercising. So is travelling, gardening, hiking or simply maintaining the freedom to do what you enjoy.

Wittig's experience highlights something that can get lost in all the talk about exercise programs, repetitions and muscle mass: 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘆𝗺. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘁.

After more than three decades of lifting weights, he has no intention of giving up the habit that has served him so well.

Wittig offers one more piece of advice worth taking to heart:

“You can start anytime, and you can surprise yourself.”

At 92, he's living proof that the effort can pay off for decades. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.