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The lycra-wrapped ‘gym junkie’ body in the mirror may be a hazy memory, but as we age, working on fitness, balance and posture becomes more, rather than less, important.
With that in mind, weekly get-togethers for seniors at Christ Church Parish Lounge in Percy Street, Warkworth start with a 30-minute session of mostly seated exercises. Carrie Kemp, who runs the
Monday morning gatherings, says participants love the exercises, which they can do comfortably at their own pace, and offer both a physical and mental boost.
“It’s nice and gentle, and a real family environment, as they get to know each other and have fun.,” she says.
The exercises are followed by morning tea and a programme of more sedate activities of various kinds.
The meetings are open to anyone over 65 living independently – including those living independently in retirement villages. The average turnout is around 20, and the oldest attendee is 95.
The group, which falls under the Selwyn Foundation, has been going for more than 10 years.
Info: selwyncentre@warkworthanglican.nz
Another option for older locals are “gentle exercise” classes run by physiotherapist Marina Shannon of Movewell Physio, at the Mahurangi Health Collective on Neville Street. The class is described as a gentle movement session involving mobility, strengthening, balance and light cardio. It’s also suitable for those who have had strokes, surgery or have Parkinson’s.
Marina says the 45-minute, small-group classes, approved under the ACC programme Live Stronger for Longer, have been running for around three years.
Incorporating strengthening and balance exercises, the classes are highly beneficial for seniors, Marina says, promoting “muscle tone, flexibility, and overall mobility, thereby enhancing their quality of life”.
“The carefully tailored programme is also invaluable for those with arthritis, neurological conditions or a history of stroke, fostering rehabilitation and aiding in the restoration of motor skills, coordination, and confidence in daily activities.”
Info: marina@movewell.nz
FLexercise classes are a sequence of exercises set to music, first developed in Britain in the 1920-30s by Mary Bagot Stack, the founder of the Women’s League of Health and Beauty.
The later-renamed Fitness League lists as benefits of the classes a reduced risk of heart disease, a slowing down of the ageing process, minimising the problems osteoporosis can cause, a lower risk of developing arthritis and stiff joints, increased energy, reduced stress levels – and great fun.
Jan Morris, 73, has attended FLexercise classes in Warkworth with her husband Keith, 78, for the past six years. At $8 for an hour-long session, they offered great value for money – and were a lot of fun, she says.
“I loved the music, which was mostly from the 1950s to 1970s – our era. We’d sing along while exercising, hardly noticing that the time is passing.”
The classes involved a range of activity focusing on balance and strengthening, working out arms, legs, abdominals and other muscle groups. A bonus was the social aspect of the classes. Jan says that participants, who ranged in age from 40s to 70s, became good friends, enjoying coffee afterwards and seeing each other in other contexts, such as going to movies together.
For the past five years, the classes have been led by MaryAnne Church. She has now stepped down to travel, however. Jan says it’s a real setback, since alternatives are either too far away or aren’t as affordable.
Fitness League coordinator and teacher Val Wightman says the organisation is actively looking to train a teacher to pick up the classes MaryAnne used to lead – not just in Warkworth, but in Matakana and Wellsford as well.
Training as a teacher takes 10 to 11 months, so it’s a big commitment, but a rewarding one, she says.
Teacher trainees study anatomy, physiology, music and choreography, ensuring they have in-depth knowledge of health and exercise and can teach in an interesting and varied way.
Info: 0508 224 8687 or www.fitnessleague.org.nz/contact-us/
