Steve Anderson has run 26 marathons in his lifetime. “I was a runner for more than 40 years,” said Steve.
Steve Anderson, resident since 2020, working out with Justin Maksimow, Physical Therapist.
Justin put together a regimen of exercises which directly address my balance and muscle control deficits to help prevent falls. Aging is a fact of life, but problems with balance, muscle control and stamina don’t have to be.
Steve Anderson has run 26 marathons in his lifetime. “I was a runner for more than 40 years,” said Steve. “Running is hard on the body, so I also pursued other active hobbies like competitive squash, tennis, skiing, hiking, biking, and swimming. When my wife, Barbara, and I moved to Lions Gate in 2020, she and I would walk three laps around the perimeter of this campus. That’s about four miles. I also frequently rode my bike on campus, I’d box a little in the fitness center, and I’d swim a few laps in the indoor pool several times a week. Gradually I noticed changes in my body. My shoulder started to hurt, my balance was sometimes off, and I would find myself cutting my four-mile walks short because I just didn’t have the endurance anymore. I met with Dr. Overbeck, my primary doctor right here in the Wellness Center, and he suggested physical therapy (PT). I had never done PT before. The rehabilitation team matched me with Justin Maksimow as my physical therapist. Justin’s PT plan is mindful of my interests and my goals, and he is knowledgeable about how the body works. He gives me an analytical understanding of what every exercise is striving to accomplish, and I find that very motivating. Justin put together a regimen of exercises which directly address my balance and muscle control deficits to help prevent falls. Aging is a fact of life, but problems with balance, muscle control and stamina don’t have to be.”
“Steve is terrific,” said Justin. “He puts in the hard work so he can continue to bike and swim without pain or imbalance, and that is certainly an achievable goal. Working on the rehab team here at Lions Gate gives me the opportunity to build lasting relationships with residents, and that is so meaningful for me. I make it a priority to hold PT sessions in the location where the resident is most comfortable. For Steve, we do his PT either in the fitness center or outside on the patio. For other residents, I’ll do their PT right in their apartment. When we put the resident’s preferences first, that motivates them to make their health a priority. Steve is taking full advantage of all the perks of being a Lions Gate resident, with PT available on campus and access to a fitness center and heated pool at any time. Being on staff at Lions Gate, I’m lucky to work with a team of highly skilled therapists who all provide the best care to residents. I’m able to do my job effectively because of our team-centered approach. Working together, we keep residents active and healthy, so they can live independently with the best quality of life for as long as possible.”