New Centre County fitness classes geared toward older adults focus on ‘security and community’

A new business in Centre County is helping people build brain and body health. Elevated Function co-owners Brittany Kunkel and Danielle DuVall say the program is geared toward middle-aged and older adults looking to regain or retain physical independence, while keeping their minds sharp.

“We want to take what people are doing outside in the real world, like gardening or climbing or hiking, and we want to train like that in the classroom,” Kunkel said.

Every workout applies to a life function, DuVall said.

“So, gardening, we have to get down on the ground, down on our knees, get down and up smoothly. We practice that function,” she said. “If you need to get in and out of a car, getting out of a chair, reaching the top cabinet, every workout revolves around function.”

Before beginning Elevated Function, Kunkel and DuVall worked together at Foxdale Village, a State College retirement community. The pair ran wellness programs for seniors living there, but said they received a lot of interest from people outside of Foxdale.

In addition, both of the women had fathers battling progressive diseases. Their personal and professional experiences led to the duo creating a business centered around physical and mental well-being.

“We watched [our dads] lose function and become prisoners to their homes. And we watched our moms, as their caregivers, who couldn’t get away and get to a gym,” DuVall said. “So we [developed] classes appropriate for the person going through the disease and also classes specifically for the caregivers. It gives them something they can utilize in their homes.”

Elevated Function offers multiple virtual classes and they range to benefit people of all levels of physical ability. The lowest impact classes, for example, help train people with ailments like Parkinson’s disease get in and out of bed. Other classes provide safe and effective exercise ideas for those with cardiovascular disease. Some classes are geared toward people who have suffered ability loss and have already completed a traditional rehab program, but aren’t sure where to turn next.

“I hope people get physical function regained, but I hope people also get hope. Sometimes [after rehab] you think ‘Will I ever be normal again?’ So I want to give them hope and function,” DuVall said.

All of the classes are online so customers can access them anytime and anywhere. Kunkel and DuVall say convenience is a critical component of their business, especially since some of their customers have limited mobility. However, Elevated Function is expanding to host in-person classes as well.

The first set of in-person classes began July 9 and is set to continue every Tuesday in July. Classes will be held at Calvary Church located at 150 Harvest Fields Drive in Boalsburg. More in-person classes are in the works.

Whether online or in-person, Kunkel hopes Elevated Function will offer a sense of community. Having worked at a retirement community, Kunkel recognizes the importance of having a sense of belonging and friendship, especially for older adults.

“We want to provide a sense of security and community. As we age, especially, we start to lose that connection with some people. And then, we want to help people build strength on top of that,” said Kunkel.

For more information about Elevated Function or to sign up for the program, go to www.elevatedfunction.com .