Health & Wellness
September 17, 2024

Carolyn’s Journey to Better Health and Wellness with GetSetUp

Carolyn’s Journey to Better Health and Wellness with GetSetUp
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During the height of the pandemic, Carolyn stumbled upon a brief mention of GetSetUp in an AARP publication while searching for new ways to stay active. 

“I’m not good with technology,” Carolyn admits, “but somehow I was able to get set up, and I started doing exercise.” 

This small step turned into a significant part of her routine, helping her navigate the challenges of staying active while managing osteopenia and arthritis.

Living in Vermont, where the weather often dictates outdoor activities, Carolyn found that GetSetUp’s exercise classes provided her with the perfect solution. 

“If it’s nice out in the summer, I walk outside for exercise, but often it is raining or too hot,” she says. “So I feel, wow, this is a wonderful way to exercise when I can’t get outside.”

Carolyn particularly enjoys the variety of classes available, though her favorites include the ones led by Stacy and Pilar. 

“I like the combo that Stacey does. I have osteopenia and arthritis in one arm, and these classes help. I do the 20-minute core, bands, or longer classes depending on how I feel. I have tried different classes, and I don’t think there was anything I didn’t like,” she shares. 

These classes have helped her stay physically active and have been essential in managing her bone health.

“I am doing the same strength classes again, so I am learning half jacks and skaters. I feel like I’m getting a good workout, and it makes me feel good. I am trying to add more strength workout days to the exercise I’ve been doing for 20 years. I want to help improve with the bone density test I had, and I don’t want to go on drugs for it.” 

She’s been adding strength classes to her yoga routine to help with her openness and has especially enjoyed the yoga classes for arthritis. Her hard work has been paying off, and she's noticed clear health benefits. 

One thing I have noticed since I have been doing more exercises on GetSetUp is I can do more squats, and squats and other movements are easier.” 

She often attends recorded sessions that suit her schedule but enjoys attending live classes to participate with the Guides.

“Usually, I’m doing a recorded one, and I might still be in my pajamas or something I don’t want to show myself,” she laughs.

Benefits Beyond Fitness

While Carolyn’s focus has been on fitness, she’s aware of the broader range of classes available on GetSetUp, from learning to use her Android phone to exploring new travel destinations like Tasmania. 

“I look at the schedule, and there are so many other things I would love to attend but I don’t have time,” she said.

Although she hasn’t had time to dive into all these areas yet, she’s excited about the possibilities. 

“I’m retired, but I have a lot of volunteer things that I’m involved in, and the time just goes,” she says, acknowledging how busy her days can be between her volunteer work and social life. 

She enjoys playing music at nursing homes, attending her book club, and other activities. In the winter, she tends to have more time to explore classes. Carolyn’s journey with GetSetUp is made possible through her partnership with the Vermont Area Association on Aging, a resource she is deeply grateful for. 

“I think it’s a fantastic program, and I’m so thankful that I found these classes and get to use the platform. It’s been wonderful,” she says.

Beyond her personal experience, Carolyn is an advocate for the program, often sharing it with others in her community. 

“I keep mentioning it to people,” she says, highlighting the need for greater awareness about the services provided by area agencies on aging. 

She suggests that more people would benefit from knowing about these resources, especially through local platforms like Vermont’s Front Porch Forum or community newspapers.

As she looks to the future, Carolyn hopes that GetSetUp will continue to expand, offering even more classes, possibly focused on learning foreign languages like Portuguese. 

Every time I take classes, I hope GetSetUp never stops, and this programming continues,” she says. “I’d be devastated if these classes ever stopped. I love the classes I have done and the people I have done them with. I look forward to doing more and a wider variety of classes in the future.”

For Carolyn, GetSetUp is more than just an exercise program; it’s a vital part of her life that helps her stay healthy, connected, and hopeful.