Kettlebells or Coffee with Friends?
May 19, 2024 12:16PM ● By Bethany GoodHow do you like to move? Some people enjoy slinging kettlebells at the gym because it helps build strength, burn calories, and stimulate bone cell growth. Others are motivated by group activities like yoga, pickleball, or Zumba. Tavia Patusky, the Wellness and Fitness Director at Columbia Association (CA), says sitting and sipping coffee or tea with your friends has massive health benefits, too. “Many of our members are [at the gym] because they want to see the people they care about; this is their social network. Our members show up and move with us. But research shows that having a healthy social life is profoundly important for one’s health.”
“Having social connections is number one. We now know how critical it is for physical health and overall wellbeing.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social connections can help prevent serious health outcomes like stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety. It also helps to improve sleep, well-being, and overall quality of life. Because of this, CA is working toward facilitating more social engagement by offering programs and events
that strengthen community ties, such as group fitness and art classes, family-friendly events, senior programming, a youth and teen center, and more.
Holistic Wellness at Columbia Association
Taking a more holistic approach to wellness means focusing on physical, mental, and social
health. It also means welcoming people of all different sizes, backgrounds, and abilities. “Our goal is to train, promote, and hire people representing the full spectrum of the people we serve.” CA offers activities and classes for people of all ages and health levels, including senior, adult, and youth programming. Members can access open green spaces, trails, pathways, golf
courses, sports parks, and more.
Movement For Everyone
Most know exercise is good for us, but even low-impact movement has significant health benefits. “It’s likely to put you in a better mood, you’ll have fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression symptoms, you’ll likely sleep better that night, and your blood pressure will likely be in a better place for the next 24 hours.” Tavia is passionate about helping others use exercise to help people get well and stay well, and she has the academic chops to do it. She is an American College of Sports Medicine-certified Exercise Physiologist with a master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University. Her years of experience in the field have led her to develop a more inclusive approach to overall health. “I always come back to wanting movement to be for everyone. I want people to feel successful and strong in their own skin.”
Headshot Photography by: Imiivo Photo Studios
Headshot Photography by: Imiivo Photo Studios