Seniors

Strength and balance classes are a fun and social way to improve strength, balance, mobility and movement confidence.

Joining classes is a great way to maintain independence, build friendships, aid in rehabilitation after a fall, or as a preventative strategy.

Sport Bay of Plenty is part of an exciting project supporting community group strength and balance classes for older adults. This is part of a nationwide initiative to reduce falls and fractures.

Attend a class

CLICK HERE to find a strength & balance class

Falls are one of the most common and costly injuries for people over 65. Keep on your Feet strength and balance classes help reduce the risk of falls and ensure seniors can live stronger for longer.

It all comes down to ‘use it or lose it.’ The classes we help co-ordinate have a number of benefits:

  • Maintain your independence
  • Decrease your risk and fear of falling
  • Maintain or improve your movement confidence
  • Improve leg strength
  • Maintain or improve your ability to everyday activities such as getting out of a chair and climbing stairs
  • Meet new people, while improving your strength and balance in a fun and friendly environment.

Run / Instruct a class

Our Community Programmes team help oversee classes in the Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty. Contact the team if you are in these areas and are interested in:

  • Offering a strength and balance class
  • Training to become a strength and balance instructor.

Overview for class instructors

Get in touch

Amy Fowler

Community Programmes Project Leader

021 191 6544

Jaime William

Keep On Your Feet Coordinator

021 171 8831

Becky Hodgson

Keep on Your Feet Coordinator

021 841 856

Refer a client

Sport Bay of Plenty is the lead provider for an initiative that aims to decrease the incidence and severity of falls in older adults. We are co-ordinating the provision of community-based exercise classes that focus on strength and balance around the Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Once referred to the programme, we will contact the client to discuss class options available in their local area.

Reason for Referral (check all that apply)

Client Details

Medical information (please select if any apply to this client and provide additional information if applicable)

Respiratory conditions

Heart or other conditions

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria:

These classes are designed for and are suitable for:

  • Any older adults (65+) who could benefit from improving their strength and balance. Note, patients under 65 years are welcome to be referred if they are at risk of falling or have a history of falls
  • Older adults with the potential and physical capability to be ambulatory even if limited initially
  • Older adults who rely on a walking aid such as a walking stick or frame
  • Older adults with very limited mobility can attend if they have someone to support them

Exclusion criteria

These classes are not suitable for:

  • Older adults needing a level of support that would disrupt the teaching of the class or who need full time care
  • Older adults with conditions that prevent them from following instructions and participating without disrupting others
  • Older adults who have any of the following medical conditions: unstable angina, unstable high or low blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes
  • Older adults who have acute medical conditions such as a recent cardiac, neurological, respiratory issue or a recent joint replacement
  • Older adults with very limited mobility and no one to support them in a class

Remaining active improves overall health and wellbeing by:

  • Building muscle strength
  • Improving stability, balance and coordination
  • Reducing the risk of falls
  • Increasing opportunities to socialise

Frequently asked questions

What will the classes involve?

  • Exercises to improve strength and balance
  • Gentle exercise to music
  • Exercises to help core strength
  • Fun activities to improve your balance
  • Stretches to help with flexibility.

Will I have to wear special clothing?

No, unless you want to of course! Comfortable clothes that you can move in, and flat, comfortable shoes is the only pre-requisite.

Will I keep up?

The instructor will be able to adapt the exercises to make them easier or harder to suit the participant – so yes, you will be able to keep up! Although these classes may make you breathe a little harder, they won’t involve any exercises that could do you harm.

Who can attend a class?

Anyone over the age of 60 years who wants to maintain or regain strength and balance.

How much will it cost?

The cost of the class will depend on who is taking it and where it is being held. As a general guide most, classes will cost between $4-$10. See class details for more information.

Where are the classes?

Find a strength and balance class in the Eastern or Western Bay of Plenty.

Find a class near you

More information

Our Community Programmes team help oversee classes in the Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty. Contact the team if you have further questions.

Amy Fowler

Community Programmes Project Leader

021 191 6544

Jaime William

Keep On Your Feet Coordinator

021 171 8831

Becky Hodgson

Keep on Your Feet Coordinator

021 841 856

Tauranga Walking Groups

City on it's Feet

Walking with a group will help to keep you motivated and provide an opportunity to make new friends while keeping physically active. There are groups all around Tauranga. Find your nearest walking group

 

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