The ActiveStrongerBetter program is proud to promote a large range of classes that vary in type and level of challenge to cater to the different ages and abilities of seniors in our communities.
Offering a variety of seniors exercise classes is great, but may leave some participants asking themselves, which class is best for me?
How we define our classes:
Levels
Seated/Chair Support – classes that involve activities that are done mostly seated or using chair support, ideal for those needing more support during exercise or that are less mobile.
Level 1 – Starters to moderate, for those new to exercise or returning to exercise after a long time. The activities are conducted a little bit slower, with more instruction and with more options for support.
Level 2 – Moderate to challenging, for those who are familiar with exercise and their bodies movement. Involves activities that may be more challenging or have options to introduce more challenge.
Level 3 – Challenging, for those who are experienced in exercise that are wanting to explore more challenge in a safe environment and fun group setting.
Some classes may fall in between levels or be suitable for more than one level of fitness and be listed to reflect this, for example Seated to Level 1, Level 1-2 or Level 2-3.
We have some videos of a seated and level 2 class to show what an example of these different level of classes may look like. Every ASB Leader will run their classes in their own style and the videos below are only to serve as an example.
Types
Strength/aerobics – Involves weights and resistance work mixed with functional movement. Makes up majority of ASB classes and is a great way to improve strength, balance and fitness.
Strength, Stretch and Balance or Stretch and Balance- Strength, Stretch and Balance involves full body strength work and a focus on stretch and balance work to improve flexibility and balance. Done mostly seated. Stretch and Balance is the same with less or minimal strength work.
Yoga* – Mostly involves chair-based yoga. Involves stretch, balance and mindfulness practices.
Aqua – A class that features strength and aerobic work, as well as coordination and takes place in a pool. Being in water creates more support during the exercises but still provides a great workout.
Tai Chi* – Can be practiced standing or sitting and involves gentle exercise using slow and controlled movements. Deliberate and flowing movement patterns are performed with a focus on deep and slow breathing. Is beneficial for strength, balance, flexibility, and mindfulness.
Zumba Gold®* – Zumba® is a dance fitness program and Zumba Gold® is a lower impact offering of this program. It involves a dance style class that is great for cardiovascular health, balance and flexibility.
*Instructors have additional qualifications to run these programs.
Some questions to ask that may help figure out which ASB class is right for you:
What is your level of mobility?
Depending on your level of mobility, seated/chair-based classes may be the best option for you, even if it’s just to start while you build up strength and fitness to progress.
Do you have any health limitations?
Health conditions may play a role in your ability to exercise at different levels, therefore it is best to consider any health conditions you have and any limitations this may bring when joining an exercise program. It is always best to speak to your GP or Health Professional when starting a new exercise program.
What do you enjoy?
It is super important that you find an exercise program that you enjoy! The best way to benefit from exercise is to be consistent and participate regularly, and you are much more likely to be consistent if you are doing something you enjoy. So, it’s important to ask yourself what you enjoy? Do you enjoy something slower and gentler that is calming such as yoga and Tai Chi or are you drawn to something more upbeat and dance like, such as Zumba Gold®? Whatever you choose, it is important you enjoy it.
Are you new to exercise?
Being new to exercise or returning to exercise after a long time is an important factor to consider. It is always best to ease your way into a new exercise routine and slowly progress to more of challenge or more frequent exercise overtime. If you are new to exercise, or unfamiliar, it may be worth considering starting with a lower-level class initially and moving to higher levels when you feel ready. On the other hand, if you are experienced in exercise you may like to start at Level 2 or 2-3. Remember you can always try a lower or higher level or even different type of class.
What if I don’t love the class?
Although it is very unlikely, you may be concerned about the possibility that you don’t enjoy the first class you go to. The great thing about having a range of classes on offer is that if you attend one and find that you don’t enjoy it for whatever reason, there are many more you can choose from. Whether you want to try a different level or different type or exercise class, you can always try something different. Majority of classes listed under the ASB program are pay weekly/pay as you go which makes it easier to try new things without committing up front.
Important to remember
Be open to change… Things change over time and life can change our routines and capacity to be active. Whether it be surgery, health conditions, family and routine changes or change in what you enjoy – be open to trying new ways of being active and listen to your body. The best thing you can do when facing changes is to not stop for good but adapt and try new things. You may need to rest and/or recover in life sometimes, but returning to a regular exercise routine, even at a lower level or to a different gentler type, is so important and beneficial to overall health and wellbeing in our senior years.
Be Active. Get Stronger. FEEL BETTER…
Visit out class locations page to find the class for you!