Beacon Health & Fitness helps new retiree find friendship, connection and belonging

When Anne retired after a long career in healthcare contracting, including many years at Elkhart General Hospital, she expected to enjoy the new freedom in her schedule. But like many new retirees, she quickly realized that stepping away from decades of routine brought unexpected challenges.

“You don’t realize how connected you are to what you did,” she said. “It’s such a big part of your identity. I tried book clubs and other things, but I just wasn’t really finding my niche yet in retirement.”

Then a friend encouraged her to try Beacon Health & Fitness Elkhart.

“From the moment you walk in the door, people are just genuinely glad you’re there,” Anne said. That warm, welcoming and completely genuine feeling is what kept her coming back.

She began with water aerobics and slowly added more to her routine, including senior strength classes and time on the track. With each visit, she met new people and settled into a rhythm that felt encouraging and fun. She said the environment made it easy to build confidence and find community in a way she hadn’t expected.

Anne also noticed how thoughtfully the center is designed. She talked about the range of programs available for every age and ability, from children learning to swim to adults managing arthritis or Parkinson’s. “There are so many touch points for every age group,” she said. “Whatever level of engagement you’re looking for, it’s there.”

What makes the Elkhart location special, Anne says, is how it feels like a true community center. She loves seeing physical therapy patients, young families, longtime members and new participants all sharing the same space.

“You’ll see people recovering from a stroke in physical therapy and then months later they’re in water aerobics with us,” she said. Watching that progression, she explained, shows how the programs, space and staff all work together to help people keep moving forward.

She also appreciates the kindness she sees every day. Staff members make people feel welcomed, encouraged and supported, and members naturally mirror that energy. “Nobody shames anyone or makes you feel out of place,” Anne said. “Everyone is here to build each other up.”

A turning point for Anne came when she received a birthday email from Beacon that offered her a complimentary personal training session, body scan and massage. It was the gentle nudge she needed.

“I never would have tried personal training on my own. I thought it would be too intimidating,” she said. But she decided to use the free session, and that’s when she met Manny Garcilazo, her trainer.

During that first visit, Manny asked about her goals, assessed her abilities and helped her understand what a personalized plan could look like. By the end of the session, he suggested a time that might work for her weekly training. “I thought, OK… sure,” she said with a laugh. “And that was six months ago. I don’t ever see quitting.”

Working with a trainer has changed how she feels physically and emotionally. Anne says her balance, posture and core strength have improved, and her arthritis is easier to manage. She credits that progress to Manny’s thoughtful approach.

“Every week my workout is different and geared toward the areas he knows I need to improve, but he always makes sure it’s safe,” she said. “What it does for your confidence is amazing. No matter your age or condition, there is potential for improvement.”

Anne has found much more than exercise at Beacon Health & Fitness. She’s found friendship, connection and a sense of belonging that has carried her through retirement.

Her water aerobics group has become a community of its own. Members look out for each other, celebrate milestones and meet for a monthly lunch. “If you’re not there for a couple of classes, someone will reach out and ask if you’re OK,” she said. “It’s so nice to know people care.”

She also enjoys the simple, everyday interactions like conversations in the locker room, greetings at the front desk and the comfort of walking into a space that feels familiar. For many, including Anne, these relationships support not just physical health but emotional well being.

“We all joke about it,” she said. “At our wellness exams, they ask questions about loneliness, and we say, ‘We’re OK — we’ve got Beacon.'”

For Anne, Beacon Health & Fitness in Elkhart is more than a place to work out. It’s a thoughtfully designed, community-centered space that supports people through every stage of their health journey.

“It’s all thoughtfully presented to meet community needs,” she said. “There’s just nothing like it in the community.”

What she values most is the staff. “They never show it if they’re having a long day,” she said. “They’re kind, compassionate and always ready to support you.”

For Anne, Beacon Health & Fitness has become a meaningful part of life in retirement. A place to stay active, connect with others and feel truly supported.