by Connie Tabbert
Senior Fitness Instructor
Whitewater Bromley
Community Health Centre
WHITEWATER REGION — Five years ago, I was sitting in the upstairs hall of the Eganville Arena with several other women and a few men, excited and nervous about what I was getting myself into.
Skip ahead to now. Three times a week, I stand in front of older women and men and lead them in an hour-long session of exercise in a program called Fit, Fun and Fully Alive offered for free by the Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre (WBCHC).
There are currently five senior fitness instructors (SFI) who lead hour-long classes in Beachburg, Cobden, Foresters Falls and Westmeath. Along with myself, there is Hester Min, Lawrie Barton, Simon Tunley and Jeannette Robichaud.
There is an SFI training course offered each year, and another one is slated to start next Friday, March 29.
This is the 18th year for the Fit, Fun and Fully Alive seniors fitness program. This program provides an opportunity for older adults to engage in an activity that’s healthy and specific for older adults, said Lara Mylly, health promoter with the WBCHC. Older adults are 55 years and older, “but we really don’t exclude anyone who wants to participate,” she added.
The senior fitness instructor program was developed by the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging (CCAA) at the University of Western Ontario, she said.
And, because the classes are designed for older adults and are heart wise, each leader is also qualified every two years in CPR and in the operation of an AED, she added.
Since the program is provided by the WBCHC, volunteers must meet the policy and procedures of the centre, she said.
There are currently two people from this area who have registered for the course beginning next Friday, and Ms. Mylly is hoping for two more. There is no cost to the participant taking the course, except time.
There are 36 hours of in-class learning, a practical assignment to complete and 16 hours of practical training followed by a practical evaluation.
“If all goes well, they become a certified senior fitness instructor through the CCAA at the University of Western Ontario.
The course is each Friday for six weeks, completing May 1, she said. Once that is completed, the person, if they still want to become an SFI, does the practical assignment and practical training, Ms. Mylly said.
In return for the free training, a volunteer is asked to commit to lead one class a week for a minimum of one year.
She noted the current volunteers have a minimum of five years.
An instructor for 10 years, Ms. Barton said, “I became a leader as I was retired and liked the idea of helping others get fit while keeping myself fit.”
Mr. Tunley, an instructor for five years, said, “I was exercising on-again-off-again, but I knew I needed more workout during the winter months. So, when I was asked to become a leader, I took the challenge hoping that I might up my game. It worked.”
Ms. Tabbert recalled she had been participating in the exercise classes, even though she was not yet 55. When the information came out about being an instructor, I thought, why not, it’ll get me to class each week.
Ms. Barton also enjoys learning new facts about the importance of fitness through refresher courses based on research from the University of Western Ontario’s CCAA.
“As an over 70-year-old, I know that I would not be as fit as I am today while living with arthritis had I not decided to take this leadership training,” she said. “I still love it and hope to be leading until I’m 80-plus years.”
Mr. Tunley, 65, said if the world is to continue to improve, volunteers are necessary because they can make a difference.
“I am putting my volunteer commitment right where I want it – keeping folks healthy and happy,” he said. “I’m lazy. Sometimes it’s hard to get off my arse, but if I don’t do it, I’m going to die before my time. You would think that would be an easy argument to overcome. It isn’t.”
The program offered by WBCHC is a health/exercise culture that is fully supported and constantly updated by an accredited university, Mr. Tunley noted.
“This is a fantastic program and really, really benefits the community, but it needs champions,” he continued, adding, “I’d rather put my energy into keeping folks healthy than into hospital beds, wheelchairs and chamber pots.”
Ms. Tabbert not only enjoys the fact everyone is getting healthier, but they have fun doing it. It’s not unusual for the participants to break out in laughter at least once during my class.
There are two types of classes provided by the WBCHC. I am the only current instructor who leads high and low impact. The low impact is for participants who find it difficult to stand for a full hour of exercise.
I still recall feeling disappointed when Lara advised I was doing low-impact. It took a few weeks for that disappointment to change to happiness, when I realized the low-impact people need to get out of the house and exercise as well.
I love seeing the smiling faces each class.
The participants also enjoy the classes, or they wouldn’t return.
They are asked to fill out surveys once a year, and these are some of their responses.
Has attending the fitness classes had a positive impact on your health and well-being and describe:
More energy, emotional health and feel better; better frame of mind; less pain in joints; balance has improved; more flexible; I recently lost my husband…the class gave me a stress reliever and the group was very supportive. It has a very positive 9utlook for me. Great job to the instructors also.
What is the most important thing you have learned from your participation in the fitness classes:
It’s fun exercising with others; motion is lotion; exercise is important for your health as you age.
If you are interested in taking the SFI course, or want more information, check out the WBCHC website or call Ms. Mylly, 613-582-3685.
