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As part of their spring activity guide, the Cordova Senior Activity Center (CSAC) in Rancho Cordova, CA is offering my multi-factorial fall prevention exercise class to anyone who is interested in learning how to reduce the risk of an accidental fall. Each class is scheduled to meet once a week for 4 weeks and the cost $25.
Similar to my Stand Up to Falls 3-hour workshop, I educate about the four components of a fall prevention exercise routine and demonstrate specific movements from each component. Since my Take 5 to Exercise class is in fact, an exercise class, I spend more time moving than talking!!! I incorporate balance activities that challenge each of the body systems responsible for both static and dynamic balance ability into each class and build on the skills from the previous week.
Aging is a unique and different process to everyone as indicated by the variety of physical challenges presented in class by my first group. As a result, a “one size fits all” approach WILL NOT WORK when challenging balance not to mention one’s flexibility and strength. Thus, I introduce the balance aspects in a progressive (semi)-individualized manner, so that each person understands the body systems involved and how he or she can safely challenge themselves at home.
Unfortunately, meeting once a week for 4 weeks is just long enough to cover the basics! My first group of 7 older adults has been an absolute joy to work with and after 4 weeks, they are just getting started! The good news is that everyone intends to continue into the next session of classes. Research studies demonstrate that older adults benefit from consistent balance, resistance, and flexibility exercise designed to reduce the risk of a fall. The question of how long one needs to participate in a program until the benefits are evident remains unclear. The good news is that the body adapts to increased physical demands and neural pathways improve as you practice your balance skills; IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE, STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY AND ENDURANCE.
Today, I provided the exercise pamphlets from the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence; “Balance Basics”, “Stretch and Flex”, and “Strong and Stable”. For $20, you get professionally designed pictures and easy-to-understand exercise descriptions in LARGE FONT. These are a great supplement to my Take 5 to Exercise fall prevention exercise class so everyone can practice these independence-building skills at home.
Next week: if anyone is interested, my Take 5 to Exercise DVDs!
Sacramento….Take 5 to Exercise and reduce the risk of a fall! Call the Cordova Senior Activities Center today and enroll in the next session; 916-366-3133.
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