Part 2 of a 3-part series
Submitted by Joan Gerberding
As discussed in last week’s Part 1 of this Coastal Breeze News series, the SMARTfit Gamification program, donated to the Marco YMCA, now known as the “YMCA of Collier County South Campus,” by Bob and Kelly Willenborg through Kelly’s MyMemoryWorx Foundation, is a positive, one-of-a-kind program that provides brain training to specifically engage multiple parts of the human brain, especially for seniors.
In addition to providing seniors the help they may need for memory care, balance, and coordination, the SMARTfit program has been used successfully one on one for people in all age groups, those with chronic diseases, and even for athletes who are interested in improving their reaction times and brain processing speed.
The program combines unique exercises to focus on brain and physical activity, offering both proven challenges and safety measures to match the level of each user’s abilities. And it is the only SMARTfit brain health program in Southwest Florida.
Programs like these can significantly contribute to enhancing and maintaining brain and cognitive health, as well as boosting mental and physical movement for all ages, allowing for more active and fulfilling lives.
When Reilly Smith, Healthy Living Director and Rock Steady Boxing Head Coach, first got involved with the “Y’s” Rock Steady Parkinsons’ program, she realized the positive benefits of SMARTfit right away.
“Dual tasking or multitasking is a proven scientific method of encouraging both cognitive and physical activities that stimulate the brain and body into action,” commented Smith. “We are extremely pleased with the results we are getting here at the ‘Y’ and we are grateful to the MyMemoryWorx Foundation and the Willenborgs for donating the Gamification unit.”
Jane Hansen, Licensed Social Worker and also a Rock Steady Head Coach, is a key facilitator for the SMARTfit program. Both women, as well as other licensed trainers at the “Y,” are certified by SMARTfit and have impressive backgrounds in Brain Health, Parkinson’s Disease and fitness programs.
“The body and brain can make progress at any age with the right intervention,” says Hansen. “The research coming from the SMARTfit program shows that it can improve both.”
SMARTfit is now available at the YMCA of Collier County South Campus located at 101 Sand Hill Street, off San Marco Road. For more information on the SMARTfit program, call the “Y” at 239-394-9622.
