Seniors or anyone with mobility concerns or fears of falling are encouraged to get moving through weekly gentle fitness classes taught in Sechelt.
Move Strong runs at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. (registered class with drop-in available for a fee) and Keep Moving is offered at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (with a drop-in fee of $5). Both programs are similar in nature and some participants choose to work out twice a week.
Taught by certified personal trainer Lori Gregory, the programs are aimed at enhancing mobility and preventing falls. Participants are led through an hour-long class including mobility, balance, strength and agility to enhance the ability to perform day-to-day activities.
Margaret Gabriel is a regular at the classes and a proponent of the methods taught. “I’ve been taking Lori’s classes for years,” Gabriel noted. “I feel better and better all the time, thanks to the exercises.”
For people with mobility issues, everyday tasks such as stepping over and onto curbs and even getting up or down to a toilet can be hazardous. Gregory focuses on basic core balance and strengthening moves, such as squatting using a chair as a prop, or how to properly bend and use the strength of your legs to pick up items.
“I’ve seen people who used to shuffle all the time,” said Gregory, noting that shuffling is a tripping hazard. “After working with the program, now they pick up their feet.”
Judy Watson, a community volunteer, helps Gregory assist clients to keep everyone safe during the moves.
“It’s a great program,” Watson said. “Lori does different activities each time so there is a lot of variety and always with a purpose.”
Gregory starts the session by first asking if anyone has any concerns or pain and reminds clients to go at their own pace. “Do what you can, you know your own body and if it hurts, don’t do it,” Gregory noted.
Clients are led through a seated warm-up including marching, leg lifts and shoulder rolls. There are bicep curls with a band, squats and exercises to work the abductor, hip, hamstrings, quads and calf muscles.
In amongst the exercises there is lots of fun, camaraderie and laughter. For example, a session recently included a rousing game of bowling to improve hand-eye coordination as well as working on flexibility and picking up objects safely. The class completes with stretches and relaxation.
