Mercy Ridge Retirement Community has won the NuStep and National Institute for Fitness and Sports (NIFS) “Pump It for Parkinson’s,” a one-day national challenge aimed at raising awareness about the benefit of exercise for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Mercy Ridge residents and staff signed up for 15-minute time slots on World Parkinson’s Day and used NuStep recumbent trainers to log more than 60,000 steps – well surpassing the challenge goal of 30,000 steps. Mercy Ridge is managed by Life Care Services, An LCS Company.

“We are so excited to be chosen to receive a new NuStep recumbent cross trainer to recognize our community’s participation and accomplishments with this year’s challenge,” said Tara Wilcom, Mercy Ridge Fitness Manager. “Our residents and staff had fun joining together to bring awareness for the important role exercise plays with Parkinson’s disease. Our Fitness Team is excited to put this new equipment to good use.”

Nearly one million individuals in the United States are living with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. The number continues to grow as 90,000 people are diagnosed each year. Data from studies have shown the value of aerobic exercise to be an integral component in treating Parkinson’s Disease.

“LCS-managed communities had more than 1,400 residents and 394 community staff members participate to achieve a collective 4.8 million steps to bring awareness of exercise's value for those living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Doug Oliver, LCS Senior Director of Community Experience. “This event aligns perfectly with our Health & Wellness Navigation Signature Experience and our Better Life Through Better Living philosophy – we look forward to topping our 4.8 million steps next year.”