Fostering a Healthier Community for Both Residents and Staff
In early 2025, Butterfield Trail Village will launch a new program to enhance the well-being of both residents and staff. Utilizing and evolving BTV’s existing fitness classes and equipment to create a more cohesive and inclusive program, the aim is to inspire healthier habits, foster a sense of community and help everyone achieve their unique health and fitness goals.
Leveraging Our Many Campus Fitness Resources
Butterfield has long enjoyed an array of excellent fitness facilities and programs, and these offerings will be evolving to support everyone who lives – and works – in the Village. Some existing classes like yoga, Pilates and strength training will expand to include both staff and residents – plus, new options like dance fitness and more challenging advanced classes for residents will be added. Staff access to the Lodge gym will continue, and through our University of Arkansas internship program partnership, employees can request personalized workout plans designed to achieve meaningful results.
One standout addition for January 2025 is a Circuit Strength Training class. Designed primarily for staff but open to residents, this dynamic group workout features rotating exercise stations to build muscle, improve endurance and boost cardiovascular fitness. It’s a fantastic way to burn calories while socially connecting with others.
New BTV Wellness Challenges and Learning Opportunities
Butterfield’s evolving wellness program will introduce fun challenges and educational offerings to promote healthy living:
- Step Challenges: Foster friendly competition by tracking daily steps.
- Healthy Eating: Gain practical strategies through lectures and interactive cooking demonstrations, learning about topics such as the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and portion control.
- Stress Management: Explore mindfulness, meditation and relaxation techniques.
Fostering Community Through Wellness
A key focus of this program is to create connections and unity. Through shared fitness classes, engaging in team competitions and collaborating on wellness goals, staff and residents will strengthen relationships as they improve their health. And, to ensure inclusivity, the program will support all fitness levels and abilities.
Butterfield CEO Kevin Spears notes an important guideline, “For this program to thrive, we will encourage residents to be respectful of staff during exercise time and avoid discussing work or making job-related requests.”
Measuring Success and Looking Ahead
To track progress, we’ll monitor participation rates, conduct fitness assessments and conduct surveys to gauge the needs and interests of staff and residents. Input will guide future expansions, such as adding classes or integrating fitness technology to enhance the experience.
Wellness program benefits are well-documented, from boosting productivity by up to 25% to improving job satisfaction and reducing absenteeism. For Butterfield, the return on investment isn’t just financial, however – it’s the satisfaction of embarking on a journey together to build a healthier, happier community.
