Spring into action with local fitness classes

THE Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is encouraging people aged 50 and older to visit the Active and Healthy website for local community classes.

NNSWLHD Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health Services Kathryn Watson said there was a wide range of exercise classes available to support health and wellbeing.

“Local providers supporting our older adults to stay healthy and well can list their activities for free on the Active and Healthy website,” Ms Watson said.

“We want people to stay well, independent and out of hospital, and evidence shows local exercise groups and at-home exercises are a great way to make that a reality.”

Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah Park Active fitness instructor Susi Thomas runs a balance program. As a fitness instructor for over 12 years, Ms Thomas is devoted to supporting older people in the community in exercising and getting out of their comfort zone. Park Active utilises the Best Program Balance Course, designed by Ms Thomas to strengthen and improve balance and re-establish the foot-to-brain connection.

“My sessions include 20 different fun activities from ball games to balance and agility challenges, all designed to leave the participant physically and mentally stimulated,” she said.

“Exercise should be fun while challenging people’s current ability. My participants are aged from 50 right up to 96, and between 15 to 25 people attend each session.”

Healthy Ageing Health Promotion Officer Leanne White said one of the barriers to older adults exercising is knowing where to find information, and exercise providers had challenges in promoting their programs.

“The Active and Healthy website provides solutions to both barriers,” Ms White said.

“We are really encouraging local exercise providers to register their programs on the Active and Healthy website so community members and our clinicians can learn about local groups and support healthy ageing activities.”

For more information, visit activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au