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Dfox Health:

Stronger With Age: Palm Desert Gym Turns the Coachella Valley’s Silver Years Into Gold

In a region where sunshine is abundant but exercise motivation can fade with the years, Purfit Athletic in Palm Desert is turning the tide for senior fitness. A recent CDC report found that fewer than 14% of Americans aged 65 and older meet federal recommendations for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise, with participation dropping sharply as age advances. It’s a statistic that paints a stark picture—but one that this Coachella Valley gym is determined to rewrite.

At Purfit, seniors aren’t just a small segment of the clientele—they are the heartbeat of the community. Nearly two-thirds of members are over 65, many walking in not for the glory of competition, but for something far more vital: injury prevention, balance improvement, and the confidence to live life without physical hesitation. Fitness manager Omar notes that the real goal is not just to add years to life, but life to years.

The health stakes couldn’t be higher. Physical inactivity among older adults contributes to a higher risk of falls, loss of independence, and chronic conditions that chip away at quality of life. In a place like the Coachella Valley—where retirees make up a significant share of the population—these numbers hit home. But Purfit is proving that age need not dictate activity levels.

From one-on-one personal training to the nationally recognized SilverSneakers program, classes are designed to meet members where they are—whether they’re recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, or just starting a fitness routine after decades away. Each workout is carefully adapted, ensuring movements are safe, supportive, and, above all, sustainable.

Inside the bright, climate-controlled space, the sound of treadmills hums alongside bursts of conversation and laughter, a reminder that fitness here isn’t a chore—it’s a social lifeline. Members leave not just with stronger muscles, but with stronger connections to a community that cheers their progress.

In the Coachella Valley’s golden years, Purfit Athletic is proving that the best time to get stronger is always now.