Walking is the preferred exercise among older adults. And, while a daily walking routine has its benefits, it doesn't prevent older adults from losing the key elements of physical wellness that other forms of exercise can provide.

To enable active older adults to get a complete workout while enjoying their daily outdoor walk, the Life Trail Advanced Wellness System was developed. Manufactured by Playworld Systems, the same company that fabricates children's playground equipment, Life Trail extends outdoor play to persons of all ages.

At two spots in the metro, residents get to use the system.

With the goal of developing products "to help people in every stage of life stay active and healthy," the Life Trail system was introduced in 2004. During a two-year development period, consultants from the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism department at Penn State University helped create the system. Dr. Geoffrey Godbey, head of the development team, explains his philosophy in recreation this way:

"Getting people to become physically active is never about calories; it's about connections with other people, fun. … It's not science; it's social."

Installed along a walking path, the system is composed of stations that offer equipment and detailed exercises geared to older adults to maintain their "functional fitness." Patterned after the twists, turns, and movements of everyday life, functional fitness is an integrated idea that encourages all the muscles to work together, better preparing the older body for the demands of real life.

Last year, the system was updated and expanded under the guidance of Danielle DuVall, an American Fitness Professionals Association functional fitness specialist and graduate of Penn State. DuVall has more than 12 years of experience in senior fitness, focusing on posture, balance, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

The system now offers 21 station panels containing 159 exercises, including upper body, lower body, stability, standing stretches, and yoga poses. Each station introduces three exercises, with detailed instructions and diagrams for each level: basic, intermediate, and advanced.

Two stations are specially designed and equipped to be wheelchair accessible, meeting ADA guidelines. Unlike indoor exercise equipment, Life Trail exercises use personal body weight as resistance, building strength in a mode that challenges without being intimidating. Stability bars ensure safety for beginners, who can rely on the bars less as they increase their strength and endurance.

In a recent study, residents of the RiverWoods Senior Living Community in Lewisburg, Pa., used the Life Trail equipment for six weeks. While the average increase in aerobic endurance was 6 percent, users realized a 13 to 14 percent increase in balance and agility. Lower-body strength measured a 31 percent increase, and participants showed a 49 percent increase in upper-body strength.

One participant, who uses a wheelchair after a stroke, was able to increase her upper-body strength by 150 percent. She also enjoyed being able to use the ADA equipment in an outdoor setting in the company of other residents. Each station can accommodate up to three users at a time, creating opportunities for social interaction.

The outdoor feature of the Life Trail system was a contributing factor for Kathi Doherty, property manager of the Clarion Park residential complex in Olathe.

"We were installing new playground equipment and wanted to offer something that could provide exercise for adults, as well," she explained.

Although only 15 percent of Clarion Park residents are seniors, Doherty felt that the system wasn't geared just for older adults.

"We looked at the entire population who could benefit from a low-impact exercise program," she said.

Five stations were installed earlier this year, one of which is wheelchair-accessible, and the facility plans to install additional stations over the next two years.

"It's a good investment, and the benefits to our residents outweigh the cost," stated Doherty.

As a gesture to the community, Clarion Park permits non-residents to try the equipment if they contact the complex office first.

Across the state line, the North Kansas City Parks Department installed its Life Trail system five years ago. Located in Macken Park, the stations flank a one-mile walking trail.

"It's been very popular," said department head Dave Schnoebelen. "It's proved to be a useful amenity that we don't even need to promote. Life Trail provides fitness year-round. We've actually had to replace the cycling equipment because that station is so popular."

According to a spokesperson for the Johnson County Park and Recreation 50 Plus program, the installation of a Life Trail system in area parks has come down to the issue of funding. While installation has been considered, no money has been allocated at this time.

For more information about Life Trail, visit www.lifetrail.com.

Contact Clarion Park Apartments and Townhomes at 913-764-3355.

Contact the North Kansas City Parks Department at 816-300-0545.

For more information about amenities in Johnson County parks, call 913-438-7275 or visit www.jcprd.com/parks.

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