Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Progressively challenging exercise program improves balance
Teaching community-based classes, I work with people of different fitness levels and physical abilities. These differences are especially evident with the older population since aging is a unique process for each of us and no two people are the same. What we are living with today is a combination of different genetics, daily choices and lifelong habits. Regardless of where you come from, I am here to help you reduce the risk of a fall now and in the future!
In spite of this individuality, I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from starting with the basics since proper movement starts with proper form. In actuality, most movement dysfunction and mobility limitation is the result of years of compensation. For example, an 82 year old person who twisted her ankle when she was 8 years old but didn't go to the doctor has been compensating for that lack of flexibility for 74 years! Now her knee and hip hurt and she is high fall risk.
The bad news is fitness and wellness were not popular in the good 'ol days. The good news is the prevention of disease and disability is finally gaining national recognition. Fitness and rehabilitation professions have progressed and there is so much knowledge about the human body that was unknown 10 years ago. It might be too late prevent a chronic disease but it is never too late to learn how to manage a condition and improve one's well being.
The FallProof™ balance and mobility training program starts with the basics and progressively challenges the systems involved in balance. For this reason, I close enrollment after the second class. I build upon training concepts so if a person misses forward step strategy, it is not safe to teach her/him the backward step strategy. If a person is not competent at the beginner level skills, then it is not safe for her/him to advance to the intermediate level of training.
The bottom line: Each of us has different physical abilities and challenges. It is important to respect these limitations and understand that not everyone will improve at the same rate. Whatever the circumstance, safety is always, always, always the primary concern. Be patient, be safe and progressively challenge balance skills at the rate that is appropriate for YOU. Start with a basic seated exercise routine, Take 5 to Exercise, and begin the best journey of your life!
In spite of this individuality, I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from starting with the basics since proper movement starts with proper form. In actuality, most movement dysfunction and mobility limitation is the result of years of compensation. For example, an 82 year old person who twisted her ankle when she was 8 years old but didn't go to the doctor has been compensating for that lack of flexibility for 74 years! Now her knee and hip hurt and she is high fall risk.
The bad news is fitness and wellness were not popular in the good 'ol days. The good news is the prevention of disease and disability is finally gaining national recognition. Fitness and rehabilitation professions have progressed and there is so much knowledge about the human body that was unknown 10 years ago. It might be too late prevent a chronic disease but it is never too late to learn how to manage a condition and improve one's well being.
The FallProof™ balance and mobility training program starts with the basics and progressively challenges the systems involved in balance. For this reason, I close enrollment after the second class. I build upon training concepts so if a person misses forward step strategy, it is not safe to teach her/him the backward step strategy. If a person is not competent at the beginner level skills, then it is not safe for her/him to advance to the intermediate level of training.
The bottom line: Each of us has different physical abilities and challenges. It is important to respect these limitations and understand that not everyone will improve at the same rate. Whatever the circumstance, safety is always, always, always the primary concern. Be patient, be safe and progressively challenge balance skills at the rate that is appropriate for YOU. Start with a basic seated exercise routine, Take 5 to Exercise, and begin the best journey of your life!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Fall prevention class on the Delta in Clarksburg...
I am blessed to teach older adults how to reduce the risk of falls. I encourage seniors to begin a consistent exercise routine (Take 5 to Exercise) and I am a certified FallProof™ balance and mobility training specialist. I have been teaching the FallProof™ training techniques throughout Sacramento since my certification in 2009 and have been following the exact fall prevention training program since finishing my masters degree.
Most recently, I started teaching FallProof™ at the Clarksburg Community Church in the small town of Clarksburg, California. Clarksburg is a river town in the Delta with wineries, piers and lots of boats. Parish nurse Lynelle Wallace attended one of my classes at Parkside Community Church and knew that a fall prevention exercise class was needed in her community. After talking to her congregation, Nell and I coordinated days and times and bam...I have 10 participants enrolled for the first ever FallProof™ balance and mobility class in Clarksburg, CA!
The first week went splendid! After an eye opening assessment testing, the participants are learning about strength, flexibility, posture and how these components affect one's balance. They are not only learning but doing the exercises.
I have to say that feeling "sore" after the first few classes is normal. Although I don't like my participants to feel sore, it happens. The more sedentary and out of shape a person is, the more likely she/he will experience some type of muscle discomfort afterward. I apologize in advance for any discomfort you may feel but your body will adapt to these new demands.
4-week Beginner FallProof™ balance and mobility training information:
Clarksburg Community Church
52910 Netherlands Road
Clarksburg, CA 95612
June 14/16,21/23, 28/30, 2011: Tuesday/Thursday, 10-11am.
July 5/7, 2011: Tuesday/Thursday, 11:30-12:30p
Beginner and Intermediate class to be offered in July, 2011!
Praise the LORD!
Most recently, I started teaching FallProof™ at the Clarksburg Community Church in the small town of Clarksburg, California. Clarksburg is a river town in the Delta with wineries, piers and lots of boats. Parish nurse Lynelle Wallace attended one of my classes at Parkside Community Church and knew that a fall prevention exercise class was needed in her community. After talking to her congregation, Nell and I coordinated days and times and bam...I have 10 participants enrolled for the first ever FallProof™ balance and mobility class in Clarksburg, CA!
The first week went splendid! After an eye opening assessment testing, the participants are learning about strength, flexibility, posture and how these components affect one's balance. They are not only learning but doing the exercises.
I have to say that feeling "sore" after the first few classes is normal. Although I don't like my participants to feel sore, it happens. The more sedentary and out of shape a person is, the more likely she/he will experience some type of muscle discomfort afterward. I apologize in advance for any discomfort you may feel but your body will adapt to these new demands.
4-week Beginner FallProof™ balance and mobility training information:
Clarksburg Community Church
52910 Netherlands Road
Clarksburg, CA 95612
June 14/16,21/23, 28/30, 2011: Tuesday/Thursday, 10-11am.
July 5/7, 2011: Tuesday/Thursday, 11:30-12:30p
Beginner and Intermediate class to be offered in July, 2011!
Praise the LORD!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Prior faller uses step strategy and prevents another fall
A student in my advanced FallProof™ balance and mobility class shared the one of the greatest success stories in class and I had to share it with you.....On Friday, Joyce explained how she used the step strategy that we have been practicing in class to regain her balance and saved herself from a fall! She grinned ear to ear as she recalled side stepping to recover her balance and said that she would have fallen if she had not learned the step strategy and even though her right leg is weaker, she stepped out in a timely manner and was able to regain her balance. YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY Joyce!
This highly educated woman is in her mid-70s, lives alone in the community and is concerned about falling. She's concerned for good reason....she tripped and fell last summer, fracturing her pelvis. Determined to regain her strength, she excelled in physical therapy. After a speedy recovery, she wanted to improve her balance skills and gain self-confidence. Having attended two of my fall prevention workshops, she was familiar with the FallProof™ balance and mobility techniques and she immediately registered for the 4-week beginner class. She continued on with the twice a week training at the intermediate level and is now in the advanced FallProof™ class that I teach!
Research indicates that a person who falls is 3 times more likely to fall again however this lady took an active role in her recovery and was determined to sharpen her balance skills, build strength and improve flexibility in order to prevent another fall. I am so proud of her for coming to class each week, pushing herself out of her comfort zone by practicing "scary" moves in a safe manner and mostly, for sticking with it!
FallProof™ works. The balance and mobility training techniques are evidence-based and can prevent a fall when practiced consistently. Take responsibility for your well-being! Find a certified FallProof™ instructor and start training your balance systems. If there is not a specialist near you, start with the basics by doing seated exercises to strengthen your body and follow gentle stretching routines designed to improve range of motion. Order my Take 5 to Exercise DVDs to get started today.
Once again....YAY JOYCE!
This highly educated woman is in her mid-70s, lives alone in the community and is concerned about falling. She's concerned for good reason....she tripped and fell last summer, fracturing her pelvis. Determined to regain her strength, she excelled in physical therapy. After a speedy recovery, she wanted to improve her balance skills and gain self-confidence. Having attended two of my fall prevention workshops, she was familiar with the FallProof™ balance and mobility techniques and she immediately registered for the 4-week beginner class. She continued on with the twice a week training at the intermediate level and is now in the advanced FallProof™ class that I teach!
Research indicates that a person who falls is 3 times more likely to fall again however this lady took an active role in her recovery and was determined to sharpen her balance skills, build strength and improve flexibility in order to prevent another fall. I am so proud of her for coming to class each week, pushing herself out of her comfort zone by practicing "scary" moves in a safe manner and mostly, for sticking with it!
FallProof™ works. The balance and mobility training techniques are evidence-based and can prevent a fall when practiced consistently. Take responsibility for your well-being! Find a certified FallProof™ instructor and start training your balance systems. If there is not a specialist near you, start with the basics by doing seated exercises to strengthen your body and follow gentle stretching routines designed to improve range of motion. Order my Take 5 to Exercise DVDs to get started today.
Once again....YAY JOYCE!
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