Findings revealed that taking part in regular exercise reduced falls among
elderly people by 17 per cent, while overall fi tness levels rose by 80 per cent
vibration training or resistance work on Technogym’s Easyline circuit. “To start with, they might just have a cup of tea, but eventually they see others exercising and are inspired to give it a go themselves,” says Technogym’s business manager for health, medical and sport, Mark Jones. The programme has been assessed
through a year-long research study undertaken by the trust in association with Liverpool John Moores University. The study measured the impact of participation in instructor-led gym-type activities, for two hours a week, on the physical fi tness, strength, fl exibility, balance and aerobic endurance of participants over 12-weeks. Participants were measured at the start and end of the programme, and at six and 12 months after to assess longer-term impact. Findings unveiled by the trust at the end of September 2012 reveal that taking part in regular exercise has reduced falls among elderly people by as much as 17 per cent. Results also showed an overall 59 per cent improvement in the group’s fi tness levels immediately after the programme, and an 80 per cent improvement after six months – after 12 weeks there were no drop-outs, and after six months only two. “Local authorities are realising that the cost of Easyline, which can help prevent a fall, is less than the cost of an operation to fi x one fractured hip,” says Jones. “The industry should be aware of the NICE guidelines for older people, which shows they should do fi ve 30-minute sessions a week and two strength sessions.”
The good news is that the message
is slowly starting to get through. Having seen the benefi ts of weight training in care home-based projects – in terms of mood, mobility, stability and strength of residents – Aberdeen City Council is currently installing the Easyline system into its sixth care home.
BONE CLASS
Sarah Dickson is one of the few REPs- registered personal trainers who has elected to specialise in exercise for older adults. A Level 3 personal trainer, she also has a Level 4 Frailer Older Adult qualifi cation. She runs four Bone Zone classes a week for the over-60s, held in Cambridge, UK. Bone Zone focuses on the areas that
are most important in older clients, including general fi tness, mobility, fl exibility, strength, and danger areas such as hips and wrists. “Exercising keeps the key wear and tear areas – the hips, wrists, spine and knees – moving and agile, which is especially important for older people as strong bones are less susceptible to osteoporosis,” explains Dickson. Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace and adaptations are available for all exercises. The core of the class is based on a circuit, with an extended warm-up at the start, tai chi and relaxation at the end, and a constantly refreshed middle section. “The middle section usually involves the class working together on something different, such as shadow boxing,” says Dickson. “The class changes on a two- weekly basis, which helps keep it fresh.”
The Care Home Games are now an annual event in Sheffi eld
She concludes: “It’s essential for an instructor to know what exercise is suitable for elderly clients, to reduce the risk of long-term damage, and it’s worrying to see so few instructors in the UK trained in teaching the elderly.”
NIFTY AFTER FIFTY Brain Aerobics and Reviving Your Driving are just a couple of examples of the programmes on offer at US health club chain Nifty After Fifty, which is aimed specifi cally at seniors, to help them retain their strength and independence. Launched in California in 2006 by Dr Sheldon Zinberg, Nifty After Fifty has since expanded into fi ve states, with 29
Technogym’s Easyline fi tness circuit is designed to give the older client a safe and effective workout November/December © cybertrek 2012 Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 53
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