‘Adaptive Gym’ Aims to Help Older Adults

A fitness center in Surprise is seeking to help people with differing physical abilities, chronic medical conditions and aging challenges reach their fitness goals.

The Benefitness Adaptive Gym has both personal training and classes designed to help build strength and improve mobility. They include a noncontact, boxing-based program for people with Parkinson’s disease that was created by the nonprofit Rock Steady Boxing.

Benefitness also serves caregivers, providing space for them to gather, work remotely or use a massage chair.

Open since July, the gym serves adults of all ages (oldest now: 92), says director Lorrie Karn. It’s part of the nonprofit family services agency Benevilla, which has programs for older adults, adults with disabilities, children and caregivers. AARP Arizona sponsors some Benevilla events, including a golf tournament and an annual gala.

Karn says joining Benefitness is often the next step for those who have finished physical therapy and need ongoing care. “We are what I call the ‘Now what?’ plan,” she says.

Members must be at least 18 to join. Membership ranges from $59 per month for four visits to $150 per month for unlimited visits. See benefitnessgym.org for details.

—Julie Rasicot