Next Step Program Improves Strength And Balance

Staying active and independent becomes increasingly important as we age. While some physical changes are a natural part of getting older, losing strength, balance and flexibility doesn't have to mean giving up the activities you enjoy.

For Robi Rew, a West Lafayette, Ind., resident, finding Franciscan Health's Next Step program helped her regain confidence, improve her posture and build the strength she needed to continue living life on her terms.

Recognizing It Was Time For A Change

Robi has called West Lafayette home for more than a decade after a lifetime of diverse experiences, including two periods of military service.

As she entered her 70s, she began noticing changes that were affecting her everyday life.

"During COVID, I had some issues and I felt that they were causing a lot of havoc in my life as far as my quality of life," she said.

Robi realized he had lost much of his core strength, making everyday tasks more challenging.

"I lost my core, my core strength,” she recalled. “And that's really critical to me because one, I found that my balance was going."

Simple activities like climbing stairs became more difficult, and she found herself relying on handrails more than ever before.

"I felt I didn't have the balance that I used to have," Robi said.

Finding More Than A Trainer In The Next Step Program

While attending a class one day, Robi noticed a Franciscan Health brochure that immediately caught her attention.

She had been searching for a personal trainer but quickly realized this program offered something more comprehensive. Franciscan Health Sports Medicine Lafayette offers a Next Step Program where athletic trainers work with patients of all ages one-on-one to return to activities they love, improve strength and balance, and more.

"I was looking for a physical trainer, but this seemed to be a little bit different than just a physical trainer,” she said. “This seemed to have a little bit of physical therapy as well as the training."

The combination of personalized exercise, movement education and guidance aligned perfectly with her goals of rebuilding her strength and improving her balance.

That's when she enrolled in the Next Step program and met athletic trainer Kara.

Building Strength Through Personal And Physical Training

Since joining the program, Robi said the improvements have been significant.

"I cannot say how much I appreciate what I have learned here and the progress that I have made has been immense."

Working alongside Franciscan athletic trainers, she has steadily improved her:

• Core strength
• Balance
• Flexibility
• Posture
• Overall confidence

As she reaches one goal, she continues setting new ones.

"I foresee that I will be with this facility for some time because the progress as I go along, my goals change and I find that each goal, I've met the goal and I just want to make my life a lot better."

Better Posture, Better Everyday Movement

One of the biggest changes Robi has noticed is the way she carries herself.

"One of the best parts about the Next Step program is when I walked in here, I knew my balance and my core were off versus my first time walking in hunched over,” she said. “I now walk in with my shoulders back and my head up and it is a huge thing for me."

Those improvements extend well beyond her training sessions.

Robi enjoys pottery, which requires her to spend long periods leaning over a pottery wheel. In the past, that often left her feeling stiff and hunched forward.

Now, she applies the techniques she learned through the Next Step program to reset her posture.

"The first thing I do is I think back to Franciscan. I think back to all the exercises and the stretching exercises I've learned,” she said. “I put them into play, and it gives me that correction that I needed in order to get my posture and my balance back."

Instead of being limited to the gym, the exercises have become practical tools she uses throughout her daily life.

For Robi, the value of the program isn't limited to scheduled workouts.

"It's not just a come in and do your exercise. It's something that I can carry with me every day."

The education, stretching techniques and strengthening exercises have given her the confidence to maintain better movement wherever she goes.

Whether she's climbing stairs, working on pottery or simply walking through her community, the skills she's learned continue to support his health and independence.

Looking Ahead With Confidence

Robi plans to continue working with Franciscan Health well into the future.

While she hopes to eventually transition from weekly visits to monthly maintenance sessions, she sees the Next Step program as an important part of staying healthy and active for years to come.

"My future outlook is staying with Franciscan,” she said.

She credits the athletic trainers for helping her achieve lasting improvements and giving her the tools to continue building on her success.

"The trainers that I'm working with have offered me the best opportunity in order to make this a success," she said.

For Robi, the Next Step program has been more than an exercise program. It has provided personalized support, education and encouragement that continue to help her improve her strength, maintain balance and enjoy a more active, independent lifestyle.