Next Step Program Improves Strength And Balance
September 01, 2026
Healthy aging isn't about lifting the heaviest weights or chasing perfection. Often, it's about making steady progress, improving balance and strength, and finding a program that supports you every step of the way.
For Linda Longo, what started as a referral to Franciscan Health’s Better Weigh program became an ongoing wellness journey that has helped her build healthier habits, improve her mobility and prepare for an active retirement.
The Better Weigh Program Focuses On Overall Health
Linda moved to Indiana from western Pennsylvania in 1989 to work at Purdue University. More than three decades later, she still calls Indiana home.
When her primary care provider referred her to Franciscan's Better Weigh program, she expected guidance on healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Instead, she found an entire team dedicated to helping her improve her overall health.
"Through my primary, I was referred to the Better Weigh program, which was a program to try to work through healthy eating, healthy habits, getting back into a work routine," she said.
As she progressed through the program, Linda’s care expanded beyond nutrition and healthy habits to include athletic trainers and other rehabilitation specialists who could address her physical concerns.
The Better Weigh Program Referral Finds The Pain Source
While working with the Better Way program, Linda began experiencing pain in her left hip. She was referred to Franciscan's injury screening program, where athletic trainers evaluated her symptoms and developed a personalized plan.
"They talked me through the process of where my pain was," Linda said. "Then they took the opportunity to kind of probe the injury area to see what was tight, where it was painful and where I was feeling tenderness."
The evaluation revealed more than just hip discomfort. Her back and hips were out of alignment, contributing to balance and mobility issues.
Working one-on-one with Franciscan Health athletic trainers, Linda began exercises designed to improve alignment, strengthen her hips and increase her stability.
Strength Doesn't Always Mean Heavy Weights
One of the biggest lessons Linda learned is that building strength doesn't require expensive equipment or heavy lifting.
"You don't need to have a weight in your hand to strengthen your body because just the weight of your body is enough to help strengthen those muscles and to just make sure, you're getting that full body workout," she said.
Her weekly sessions often include bodyweight exercises, timed squats and movements that target specific muscle groups. Instead of focusing on how much weight she can lift, she concentrates on improving function, stability and overall strength.
Why Balance Matters As You Age
Linda says one of the most valuable parts of her experience has been learning how balance changes with age and what she can do to maintain it.
"I think one thing that most people don't realize is that as you get older, one of the things that goes is your balance," she said.
Through her work with Franciscan athletic trainers, physical therapists and the injury screening program, Linda's learned that strengthening the body's core and addressing weaker muscle groups can make everyday activities easier and help reduce the risk of falls.
"It's not about lifting heavy weights," Linda said. "It's about really focusing on the core of your body and what things you can do to strengthen those weak areas."
A Continuing Journey With The Next Step Program
Although Linda has participated in the program for years, she doesn't see it as something with a finish line.
"I look at this program as a continual journey as I progress into retirement."
Instead, she views it as an investment in her long-term health—one that allows her to stay active, independent and confident as she gets older.
"It has been a phenomenal experience for me."
She has shared her story with friends and encourages others to take advantage of the wellness programs available through Franciscan.
"I have told many people about my journey through Franciscan," she said. “I would highly recommend anyone who's interested in making sure that they either get older or they have things that they want to work on, that they would seek out the programs and the opportunities that Franciscan has."
Frequently Asked Questions: Next Step Program
What Is Franciscan Health's Next Step program?
Franciscan Health's Next Step program at its western Indiana rehabilitation locations is an individual, goal-oriented, one-on-one exercise program guided by Franciscan athletic trainers. The program helps individuals who have completed physical or occupational therapy as they take the next step in pursuing their therapy goals, including but not limited to general strength, mobility, balance
and endurance.
Does insurance cover the Next Step program?
The Next Step program is a fee-for-service program. Insurance is not accepted at this time.
Where Does Franciscan Health Offer The Next Step Program?
Franciscan Health currently offers the Next Step program at these western Indiana locations:- Franciscan Health Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Lafayette at the Lafayette Family YMCA
- Franciscan Physician Network Therapy Services West Lafayette
- Franciscan Health Therapy Services Crawfordsville
- Franciscan Outpatient Therapy Wheatfield
