This month, AUSactive, the fitness industry’s peak body, is hosting its National Awards to showcase the talent and dedication of the active health and exercise industry. ActiveStrongerBetter is a finalist for the Community Impact Award, which recognizes the excellence, passion, and commitment of organisations making a significant impact on their community. The winner of the award will be announced next Friday the 11th of October at the AUSactive National Awards Gala.
ActiveStrongerBetter (ASB) offers a comprehensive range of exercise programs for older people, delivered by qualified fitness professionals. In its second year of delivery, the program has gained significant support in the Hunter region, with over 65 classes offered weekly throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley. Participants have reported improvements in their physical and mental health, as well as increased independence and social well-being. The program is also gaining excellent traction with local health professionals seeking community-based exercise programs to refer their patients to.
Dr John Ward, Geriatrician and 2024 NSW Senior Australian of the Year, believes this program comes at a time when older people are increasing in numbers but facing greater difficulty in finding suitable accommodation, accessible health care, and safe and relevant exercise programs in the community. ActiveStrongerBetter programs incorporate aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises designed to improve mobility and promote independence and social engagement, all of which are associated with reducing the risk of requiring care prematurely. Dr. Ward emphasizes that exercise is the most effective strategy for most chronic diseases and health problems experienced by older people, stating, “If it could be packaged in a pill, it would be the most promoted and prescribed in the pharmacopeia!” Exercise is indeed the most effective strategy to prevent falls and fall injuries.
ActiveStrongerBetter programs are run by qualified Fitness Leaders, specially trained and accredited by ASB to conduct safe, effective, and enjoyable classes for older people of all fitness levels and abilities. Due to increasing demand for classes throughout the region, particularly in the West Lake Macquarie and lower Hunter areas, the ASB team is holding two more fitness leader training days for 2024 in Cessnock on Sunday, October 27th and in Morisset on Sunday, November 24th. The team is looking for passionate fitness professionals with interest and experience in working with seniors to join us in making a difference to the lives of older adults!
ActiveStrongerBetter training is open to those with a Certificate IV in Fitness (Cert III + experience will be considered) and is accredited by AUSactive’s professional development scheme for 6 Continuing Education Credits (CECs). The training involves online learning modules (0.5-1 day) and one day of practical training. Early bird pricing is $149. Qualified fitness professionals interested in becoming an ActiveStrongerBetter Leader can register their interest for these upcoming workshops here: https://forms.office.com/r/SZSHCmLAxD