How Nicole Stays Strong, Connected, and Curious with GetSetUp from Her Home in Canada

At 80 years old, “Nicole” (name changed for privacy) has built an active, fulfilling daily routine entirely from her home. With mobility challenges and the closure of her local senior programs center, she turned to GetSetUp and discovered a world of movement, learning, and community that now shapes her every day.

When the seniors’ organization Nicole belonged to in Toronto closed unexpectedly, she was devastated.

“I was very upset. I needed something online because I’m housebound. That’s when I found GetSetUp, and I’ve loved it ever since.”

She discovered the platform by searching for ways to stay active, mentally stimulated, and socially connected. What she found was a community that supported her throughout her day.

Nicole says, “It’s worth every penny.”

The Power of Seated Exercise

Living with sciatica in both legs, Nicole needs workouts designed to support her where she is right now.

“90% of my exercises are seated, and that’s so important. I only do seated classes on GetSetUp and repeat the ones I love.”

Among her favorite instructors are Yanira, Pilar, Twyla, Binda, Debbie, and Ellen Jaffe Jones.

“Yanira is so good to me. She welcomes me, and I adore her. She has really good seated classes, and I saved them so I can go do them whenever I want.”

She also loves seated walking classes with Pilar, which she replays often. She also enjoys Tai Chi, even if it’s challenging for her to follow all the movements.

“I’ve saved all the classes I like and do them over and over again. Since I’ve been home, GetSetUp has been the best.”

Even the shorter 20-minute classes help her stay active.

“GetSetUp used to have only hour-long classes, but now there are multiple times, and I do the 20-minute ones. I often do more than one a day to keep moving.”

Health Education & Mental Fitness

Nicole is a learner at heart. She regularly attends webinars on medical topics, phishing scams, and seniors’ health.

“I do a lot of webinars. I like to learn, and GetSetUp offers good health content. I’m especially terrified of financial scams, so I like cybersecurity information.”

She’s also taken GetSetUp classes on iPad and iPhone classes, and even though she’s tech-savvy, she always learns something new.

“There’s always something simple you didn’t know before.”

And when her grandson traveled to Japan, she even watched GetSetUp’s travel class about Japan which helped her to feel more connected to his journey.

Music, Meditation & Meaningful Connections

Music classes and movement are also an important part of Nicole’s day.

“My favorite classes are seated fitness ones with music. I asked the instructor to send them to me. Now I do it once a week.”

She also enjoys Binda’s meditation classes and enjoys attending Guide Mike’s music concerts, where people can hear unique and lovely music and meditate or plan. 

“Being home all the time, I still have a pretty busy schedule. I’m making a blanket for my granddaughter, I play online games, and I mainly do exercise with GetSetUp.”

Through classes, Nicole has formed real friendships, especially with Guides like Yanira and Twyla.

“Twyla and I talked a bit after class. It’s a real outlet. It’s so nice and friendly.”

A Lifeline and a Lifestyle

Nicole checks GetSetUp every day.

“Every day, I’m looking at GetSetUp to see what’s happening. GetSetUp always has different things to choose from, and I’ve picked up lots over time.”

While she belongs to multiple senior groups online, GetSetUp is the one she relies on most.

“I belong to four or five senior groups, but GetSetUp is the one I use every day. I love that I can go into the ones I love again and again and repeat.”

She’s also grateful for the accessibility, variety, and warmth of the community.

“I really appreciate GetSetUp. It’s a real outlet. I’m so glad this exists.”