Keep on your Feet: Senior Strength and Balance at Toi Ohomai

💪 A personalised gym programme designed to improve strength and balance for older adults. Each participant receives an individualised fitness plan and enjoys full access to Toi Ohomai's gym equipment in a supportive, social environment.

Benefits include:

• Free comprehensive health assessment
• Customised strength and balance exercises
• Supervised sessions with qualified instructors
• Access to heated outdoor pool
• Social, friendly atmosphere

Suitable for: Reasonable to good mobility levels (Level 2-3)

Cost options:

• $7 per casual class
• $60 for 10 classes (concession card)
• $410 annual membership

Contact: Keith Martin at 07 557 8648 or Keith.Martin@toiohomai.ac.nz

Location: Toi Ohomai Aquatic & Fitness Centre, 70 Windermere Drive, Poike, Tauranga

Why Strength and Balance Training is Essential for Older Adults 🧠 🏊‍♀️ 🤸

As we age, maintaining strength and balance becomes increasingly important for preserving independence and quality of life. Regular strength training helps combat natural muscle loss, while balance exercises significantly reduce fall risk - a major concern for older adults.

Programmes like "Keep on your Feet" offer tailored approaches that consider individual fitness levels and health conditions. Unlike generic exercise classes, these specialised programmes focus on functional movements that directly improve everyday activities like standing from a chair, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries.

The social aspect of group fitness cannot be overlooked. Regular participation in community-based exercise programmes provides valuable social connections that contribute to mental wellbeing, combating isolation that often affects older adults.

The supervised nature of these sessions ensures exercises are performed correctly and safely, with immediate feedback from qualified professionals. This supervision is particularly valuable for those new to exercise or returning after a long break.

Beyond physical benefits, strength and balance training has been shown to:

• Improve bone density and reduce osteoporosis risk
• Enhance cognitive function
• Boost mood and reduce depression symptoms
• Improve sleep quality
• Help manage chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes

Starting a structured strength and balance programme like "Keep on your Feet" is one of the most effective preventative health measures for older adults, promoting not just longer life, but better quality of life throughout the senior years.