We are a friendly group of active older adults, ages 65 to 103, that meet in a weekly in-person exercise class. We gather every Wednesday at 10:30 am in the social hall at Congregation Beth Ami. The class promotes functional strength, flexibility, balance and fall prevention combining physical and cognitive exercises. We perform seated and standing exercises using Activator Poles, which will be provided.
Activator Poles are modified Nordic walking poles invented by an Canadian Occupational Therapist and Geriatrician as a tool to increase mobility, stability and movement in her clients. The poles have been used successfully as a rehabilitation tool for over 10 years and have been promoted by Parkinson’s, arthritis, and cancer organizations in Canada. The poles act like personalized ballet barres to provide extra support and allow greater range of motion and safety to those with pre-existing knee, hip, lower back and shoulder issues.
Strength training exercises utilizing resistance bands have been added to the class. Under the direction of Kel Orr, personal trainer, we will perform exercises to improve upper body and grip strength. Resistance bands are stretchable elastic tubes with cushioned handles which will be provided.
The class lasts about an hour. A $5 donation per class is requested which will be used to buy equipment and as a donation to congregation Beth Ami. Each participant is encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle to class.
Class is taught by Jeffrey Sternfeld
Certifications of instructor: Senior Personal Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, Brain Health Trainer, Cancer Exercise Specialist, Arthritis Exercise Group Leader, PNC Parkinson’s Exercise Instructor, Urban Poling and Activator Pole Instructor and Matter of Balance Coach.
