July 10, 2025 by Linden Ponds
When Barbara and Robert Ward moved to Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., they were excited to take advantage of all the amenities and activities on campus–especially the fitness center.
Within several years, both Barbara and Robert were inducted into the 500 Club, which recognizes residents logging 500 or more visits to either the fitness center or swimming pool.
Recently, following a record-breaking 65,255 visits to the fitness center and pool, a new wall of honor showcasing the residents achieving the 500-visit distinction was unveiled and celebrated.
A place of honor
“Reaching 500 visits is truly a huge accomplishment,” says Fitness Manager Ian Richardson. “It takes a year and a half to log 500 visits, and that’s if you visit the fitness center or pool every day. As a result, it typically takes a resident two or three years to accomplish this goal.”
With residents completing such an impressive feat, the community wanted to create an impressive wall of honor.
“It’s a lovely, big display, taking up an entire wall,” says Barbara, who works out at the fitness center five days a week. “I believe that staying physically fit is important if you want to live a long, healthy life. And what better place than our fitness center to help keep you moving regularly!”
“We wanted to find the perfect location to create a lasting tribute to the residents’ accomplishments while also inspiring others,” Richardson explains. “After examining several options, we decided to put the installation in the hallway across from the fitness center.”
The wall features Erickson Senior Living’s “Embrace Well-Being” logo and club members’ names listed in columns.
“Each piece of cardio equipment looks out to the wall installation–inspiration for years to come,” he adds.
Convenient amenities
Robert Calzini reached the 500 Club milestone in late 2024, about two and a half years after he and his wife Jan moved to Linden Ponds.
As a former world champion in powerlifting, Robert Calzini especially appreciates the weight room. “I enjoy both the weight room and the cardio center,” he says.
Adds Barbara “It’s such a huge benefit having the fitness center on campus. Before we moved to Linden Ponds, we were driving to a local fitness center and, living in New England, there were times when inclement weather would keep us from going.”
Now, thanks to the climate-controlled walkways that connect buildings across campus, residents can access the fitness center whenever they’d like–regardless of snow.
While Barbara enjoys visiting the fitness center early in the morning, her husband Robert prefers afternoon workouts.
“That’s the really nice thing about having a fitness center right here, where we live,” Robert Ward says. “Each of us can get our exercising in at a time that’s best for us.”
Richardson and Linden Ponds’ team of fitness experts are happy to help residents interested in starting an exercise routine.
In addition to a personal fitness assessment, they offer three orientations to help you get acquainted with the equipment, followed by four complimentary sessions with a personal trainer.
“There’s no time like the present to start. There is an activity for everyone, regardless of your mobility,” says Richardson.
“It begins with a conversation, where we discover what you enjoy doing. Once we find your activity, we link it to an exercise, which increases the likelihood that you’ll stick with it.”
“Each resident is treated with dignity and respect,” says Robert Calzini. “Our physical need for exercise is met by a group of professional trainers who work with you to attain optimal health.”
Social opportunities
In addition to improving physical fitness, visiting the fitness center is a great way to meet new people.
“There is a lot of camaraderie at the fitness center between residents and the staff,” says Robert Ward. “It really is a wonderful place. And we’ve found that, in the years we’ve used it, it’s gotten better and better. Ian has created a fun atmosphere for all of us.”
Richardson and his team plan a variety of special fitness events, utilizing Linden Ponds’ 108-acre campus, including a 4th of July Walk, an apple scavenger hunt, a Turkey Trot, and a food drive. They also regularly welcome guest instructors and host a series of health-related lectures.
“Linden Ponds offers a wonderful way to live. I wish everyone could live like us,” says Robert Ward.
To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.