WS Chronicle

By Jess Schnur 

The Chronicle 

For seniors looking to add some exercise to their routines, Wake Forest University’s Healthy Exercise and Lifestyle Program (HELPS) provides a medically directed, professionally supervised exercise program for older adults in the community.  

Celebrating 50 years of dedication to helping individuals manage and prevent chronic disease through exercise, the program originated as a form of cardiac rehab, the first facility of its kind in the state and one of the first in the country. Once cardiac rehabilitation became reimbursable through insurance and moved to the hospital 25 years ago, HELPS evolved into the 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art exercise facility it is today.  

“We really look at the whole person. It’s not just exercise siloed; it’s nutrition, it’s exercise. We do a lot of social well-being. It’s a huge piece of overall well-being, especially for the older adults,” said Kristy Wood, the program director of HELPS. “So, we do social, emotional, mental, physical – all the things encompassing well-being. So, it’s just a very safe exercise space for older adults in the community.” 

The HELPS building is climate-controlled, contains an indoor track, and is equipped with a plethora of exercise equipment for all strength-training and cardio needs. The program also offers instructor-led exercise classes for older adults, as well. Since its primary focus is on chronic disease, staff members at HELPS can help individuals tailor their exercise to help with post-op recovery, build bone density for those struggling with osteoporosis, work on weight loss to help manage obesity and diabetes, strengthen heart health for those with a cardiac history, and more. HELPS also offers blood pressure, heart rate, and EKG checks on-site.  

“Everybody who joins with us gets their own individualized exercise prescription, so they know what they’re doing while they’re there. It’s professionally and medically directed and supervised. We also have a dietitian on staff, so a clinical nutritionist who works with us,” said Wood. “Everybody comes to us with a different background, different health history, but our job is to work one-on-one with individuals to make sure that they are getting the service that they need, the help that they need to be able to help them reach their goals.” 

While the program gets more of its members largely from medical referrals, anyone can enroll. HELPS accepts insurance, allowing for no out-of-pocket costs for those looking to join.  

“I would just encourage people that it is just never too late to change your lifestyle, whatever that may look like. Recently, I had a lady call me inquiring about the HELPS program,” said Wood. “She said, ‘I’m 88 years old and I’ve never exercised before, but I want my remaining years to be my healthiest years.’ And I think that’s just such a testament to it doesn’t matter your age or your background or your limitation. It’s never too late to change something about your lifestyle.” 

The program operates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., as well as Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 336-758-5853 or email Kristy directly at lievk20@wfu.edu.