Falls Prevention

Steady As You Go includes an educational presentation and strength and balance exercise classes, for those who are 65 years and over or 55 years and over for Pacific Islanders and Maori.
Classes are held at the YMCA Recreation Centre: 77 Tay St Invercargill . We can also come to your Rest home or Community Group.
The exercises used in our programme increases leg strength and balance. These have been proven to reduce the incidence of falls. Participants report increases  in confidence and improved mobility with everyday activities.

What are Strength & Balance Exercises?
The gentle exercises used in the programme are designed to improve balance, leg strength, general fitness and well-being.
The classes start with a warm up, followed by optional standing exercises, walking exercises and then a warm down in the chair. A range of light ankle weights are provided for the leg strengthening exercises and all participants are encouraged to work at their own pace and stop if they feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Improvements are measured by three simple strength and balance tests carried out on week one and week ten of the
programme.

Strength & Balance
Classes run for 45 minutes once a week, for a minimum of 10 weeks. Instructors are trained by the Physiotherapy School at the University of Otago.
Continuing Classes
After completion of the 10 week programme participants are encouraged to join an ongoing class, to continue to maintain strength & balance.

Venues for continuing classes
Monday 1.00-2.00pm
YMCA
77 Tay St
Invercargill
Wednesday 1.15 – 2.15 pm
South City Centre
Jenkin St
Invercargill
Registrations
Please phone Laura at the YMCA 2182989 ext 5 for the next available class.
Cost
Cost of the programme is $3.10 per person per session.

Laura Ophuis | YMCA Community Development Manager | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | p:                03 2182989         ext 5 | a: 77 Tay Street, Invercargill