by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
BEACHBURG — The temperature outdoors still makes it easy to get out and participate in some type of exercise, but soon, the leaves will be changing into their fall colours and the snow will fly.
Research has shown it takes six to eight weeks to create a new habit, said Lara Mylly, health promoter with the Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre (WBCHC). So, as has happened for the past several years, the Fit, Fun and Fully Alive group fitness classes for older adults are scheduled to start within the next two weeks.
There is a schedule of 14 classes spread between Cobden, Foresters Falls, Beachburg, Westmeath and La Passe. There are some classes geared for those just getting into fitness while others are for those who have full mobility and want to remain active.
While the age level is geared to those 55 and older, Ms. Mylly noted there have been a few people under that age who have attended.
The more active classes are for those who want to maintain or even increase their fitness, she said.
There have been some changes in class schedules from previous years due to the retirement of five fitness instructors and one going on an extended holiday. However, there are new instructors who received their senior fitness instructor certificates in late spring and are taking on some of the classes, she noted.
Ms. Mylly noted one of the more common health risks to people is the length of time they are sitting … at their computers, watching television or listening to the radio, reading, playing video games and socializing. It has been suggested that at least every 30 minutes a person walks around, even if it’s just up and down a hallway for a few minutes or perform a few squats, to get the blood circulating.
“By providing these classes, we are helping people stay healthy, or even get healthy,” Ms. Mylly said.
There is no fee to attend the class, but donations are accepted to help cover the exercise space, equipment and training, she said. The no fee will allow everyone who wants to attend to do so, thus removing any financial barrier there may be, she explained.
The fitness instructors, of which there are about 20, including those in the Get With It program that starts in January at two area schools, are all volunteers, she said.
“These people donate their own time,” Ms. Mylly said. “They perform about 1,100 hours of volunteer time with the health centre. We could not run the programs without them.”
Betty-Mae Bryanton, with help from Connie Tabbert, who was certified earlier in the spring, will lead the low-mobility-gentle exercise classes for seniors, which will also incorporate the falls prevention program.
“These classes are for those who want to strengthen their legs and improve their balance,” Ms. Bryanton said. “It’s a class for anyone with balance issues or if they afraid of falling.
“For people with walkers, this class is a definite asset,” she continued.
There are two classes in Beachburg, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday and Friday, and two classes in Cobden, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Ms. Bryanton noted a functional assessment will be completed on each participant in the fall and spring.
People are encouraged to “break a sweat” for at least 150 minutes each week, she said. Attending two classes a week will help with that time.
“It’s also a time to socialize with friends,” she added.
Simon Tunley, who was also recently certified, said many people in his family have worked, or still do work, in the health field. He noted he has been a ski patroller and has taken health courses as a hobby.
“My grandfather was a medic in the First World War,” he said.
It’s important to him to remain healthy and active, and he’d like others to do that as well.
“I’ve seen people get aggravated and angry and I know fitness is a positive thing,” Mr. Tunley said. “It’s important we keep whatever strength we have, or even make it better.”
The only male leader in this area, Mr. Tunley will be leading the fitness classes twice a week in the gymnasium of Beachburg Public School from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
“My goal is to find men in Beachburg who wish to get old in health,” Mr. Tunley said.
He noted many men are at the greatest risk of health problems because they don’t believe they need to attend a class – and that’s just not true.
He believes people may balk at the idea of doing exercise, but once they begin, it’s something they will definitely look forward to each day.
“You need 150 minutes a week of good exercise to at lest maintain your health,” Mr. Tunley said, adding, “That’s not a high price to pay.”
Ms. Mylly noted there are many other community programs provided at the WBCHC …such as smoking cessation, weight management, COPD exercise group, change your mind-mindful living, pole walking with Nordic or urban poles, and others.
The Nordic or urban poles can be signed out at any of the three Whitewater Region library branches or the health centre in Beachburg, she said. If someone wants coaching on using the poles properly, call the health centre and arrangements can be made for this, she added.
Ms. Mylly noted other programs are offered as needed. Surveys are done throughout the year so the centre can keep informed of any changing needs within the communities it serves. But, they are also based on availability of volunteers, community members or staff.
Ms. Mylly noted she is the only full time person working on creating programs, and to create a new one, there has to be someone available to lead it.
“We want to offer full programs, but we want the programs to be of good quality,” she explained.
For more information on the WBCHC and its programs, check out the website www.wbchc.on.ca or call the clinic, 613-582-3685.
