Henderson gym orients equipment, classes around senior health

Even though they're working up a sweat, seniors said they feel at ease while working out at Welcyon, Fitness After 50.

The 3,300-square-foot gym at 2550 Anthem Village Drive, Suite 140, opened June 8 and caters to seniors.

"I like the 50-and-over club because I don't like the pressure at gyms," said Melody Colasuonno. "It moves really fast here, and it's paced really well."

The gym offers strength training and cardio machines made by HUR, which specializes in exercise equipment tailored for seniors and people undergoing physical therapy.

"It's a real natural flow from physical therapy into us," co-owner Suzanne Severino said.

Other features include a space for balance training and stretching and a lounge area with coffee, tea, magazines, fresh fruit and decks of cards. The social aspect of working out at the business appeals to customers, said Severino's husband, Dr. Mark Severino, who co-owns the business.

"We're seeing a lot of couples come together," he said. "It becomes a social event for them. So many couples come here (to Henderson), and they lose a spouse, and they come here (to the gym), and it's a friendly environment."

Colasuonno agreed.

"I've met a lot of good people in here — just the camaraderie," she said.

A HUR software program allows customers to document their workouts by scanning their Smart Cards. Workout sets, reps, average and maximum heart rate and exercise times are among details that are tracked. The cards can be inserted into the gym's exercise machines to electronically guide users through their fitness routines.

Customer Diane Hammond said she explored other gyms in the Anthem area and was happy to find Welcyon, which gave her a senior-friendly place to work out, particularly during winter.

"I worked out in my house," Hammond said. "I have an exercise pool, and I run against the big jets every day when the weather is decent. Otherwise, it's too cold getting in and out, and then you're only really working one major muscle group. I'm at an age where I need to work all of them."

Mark Severino, who also is a reproductive endocrinologist and associate medical director at the Sher Institute for Reproductive Medicine, 5320 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 300, said since people's lifespans have increased, women are living longer with menopause, which can pose a risk to their bone health, making it crucial for them to exercise.

"Women live 30 to 40 years in menopause now, so it's important," he said.

High-intensity interval training classes for cardio were set to be added at the gym.

"It's like a spin class, but you're using ellipticals," Suzanne Severino said. "Then, we hope to incorporate yoga in the next few weeks."

Membership costs $79 per month, with a $5 discount offered for those who register as a couple. Residents can opt to try the gym free for one week before they decide to sign up. Membership includes a health history review, a personalized fitness plan and three one-on-one sessions with a fitness coach. Members also can speak with a coach anytime on-site, Suzanne Severino said.

"There's always somebody here with the training and the ability and the desire to help you when you have a question," Hammond added. "It makes a huge difference."

The gym's hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. Visit welcyon.com or call 702-389-3919.

— To reach Henderson View reporter Cassandra Keenan, email ckeenan@viewnews.com or call 702-383-0278. Find her on Twitter: @CassandraKNewsf.