At Copeland Oaks, physical fitness is about far more than staying trim or fitting into your favorite pair of pants — it’s about truly feeling alive.
After retirement, many of the small movements we once made without thinking — walking to the copier, heading down the hall, bending to tie a shoe — naturally fade from our daily routines. Though these motions seem insignificant, regular movement is essential. Without it, our bodies can gradually become stiff, weaker, and less responsive.
That’s why wellness at Copeland Oaks focuses on something called functional fitness — movements that help residents continue doing everyday activities safely and independently. Getting in and out of a car. Standing up from a chair. Reaching into a cupboard. Maintaining balance. These are the building blocks of independence.
“Our goal at Copeland Oaks is to keep people independent as long as they can be,” says Wellness Director, Heidi Oyster. “One day you wake up and think, ‘Why can’t I do this anymore?’ That’s why staying active consistently makes such a difference.”
Beyond the physical benefits, staying active fosters meaningful connection and community, offering a powerful boost to your mental and emotional well-being. With a body that keeps moving and a mindset strengthened by social connection, residents at Copeland Oaks aren’t just living — they’re thriving.
The People Behind the Program
Heidi Oyster, Wellness Director, and Michelle Rhoads, Assistant Wellness Director, are the energetic, knowledgeable leaders who infuse every class with encouragement, joy, and expertise.
Together, they bring more than 40 years of combined experience in health and wellness. But what truly fuels their passion isn’t just fitness — it’s the people.
When asked about the favorite part of her job, Heidi said, “the residents. One hundred percent the residents. They become our family. When you come back from vacation, you feel like you missed time with your best friends.”
For Heidi, this role feels like a calling. “There’s no other job that I want. I kind of feel like I was just born to do this.”
Michelle’s journey is especially meaningful. “Heidi’s class at the YMCA was the very first fitness class I ever took,” she shares. After beginning her own weight-loss and fitness journey, Michelle eventually followed her passion into instructing — and ultimately to Copeland Oaks. “It wasn’t something I ever saw myself doing, working in a retirement community. But I absolutely love it. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
Helping residents maintain independence isn’t just part of their job — it’s a privilege they cherish.
Meeting Residents Where They Are
Every resident at Copeland Oaks arrives with a unique background. Some exercised for decades. Others are stepping into a fitness class for the first time. Some manage arthritis or joint replacements. Others simply want to stay active and social.
Even in group classes, each participant receives attentive supervision. As they lead, Heidi and Michelle continually scan the room, watching for anyone who may be struggling. If they notice discomfort or hesitation, they guide the rest of the class to continue while they approach the individual to assess what’s needed.
“There isn’t a class we offer that we can’t modify,” Heidi explains. “It comes down to experience and knowing your people.”
If someone is in a wheelchair, modifications are made. If a shoulder doesn’t lift as high as it used to, movements are adjusted. If someone hasn’t exercised in years, they’re guided safely and patiently.
On the other end of the spectrum, residents who once lifted weights years ago are gently reminded not to jump back in at their old intensity.
“That’s when injuries tend to happen,” Heidi says. “We’re here to guide them safely every step of the way.”
This thoughtful, hands-on approach ensures everyone can safely enjoy movement tailored specifically to them.
Building Strength — and Confidence
One of the most powerful transformations the wellness team sees isn’t just physical — it’s emotional.
“At any age you can gain strength and endurance,” Michelle says. “They become so proud of themselves. The confidence they get from even just showing up — it’s amazing.”
Residents often take their progress reports to their doctors, eager to share what they’ve accomplished. That pride builds momentum. And momentum builds independence.
And then there’s the chemistry of group fitness.
Physical activity naturally releases dopamine, boosting feelings of happiness, motivation, and accomplishment. When those emotions are shared in a group setting, they strengthen bonds quickly.
“One of the things that makes fitness unique is that no one is required to participate,” Heidi says. “Residents are here because they want to be – and that makes the relationship that much stronger.”
Newcomers are never left standing alone. There’s always a friendly resident ready to take them under their wing, help them find a seat, and encourage them through their first class. That welcoming culture is part of what makes wellness at Copeland Oaks so special.
Wellness Day: A Celebration of Active Aging
Each October, during Active Aging Week, Copeland Oaks hosts a beloved campus-wide Wellness Day that feels more like summer camp than a fitness event.
Residents gather for games, laughter, and hands-on activities that spark joy and nostalgia. Minute-to-Win-It challenges bring out playful competition. Tie-dye crafts — often a first-time experience for many — fill the room with color and creativity.
“It sparks memories of their youth,” Heidi says.
It’s more than just a day of fun. It’s a celebration of movement, connection, and the vibrant life that continues at every age.
Investing in the Future of Wellness
The wellness program has grown so much in popularity that Copeland Oaks is now preparing to launch a capital campaign for a standalone Wellness Center. Classes have expanded into multiple buildings to accommodate demand, and attendance continues to climb.
“We’ve outgrown our space,” Heidi explains. “We want to continue to support this growth and stay ahead.”
Because today’s retirees — and tomorrow’s — are looking for communities that prioritize health, vitality, and independence.
At Copeland Oaks, wellness isn’t an afterthought. It’s a promise: to keep moving, keep connecting, and keep living fully — together.