Woodland Seniors Significantly Reduce Fall Risk

I just finished teaching my last class of 2019 at the Woodland Community Center.  I had 14 older adults in my brain-based fall prevention class and the results were some of the best scores I've ever seen.  From 96 years old to the youngest in the class, age 60, these mature adults got stronger, more flexible and moved quicker in eight sessions.

In four weeks, a 96-year old lady improved her lower body strength by 3 chair stands, reached 1.5 inches closer to her toes and walked 1 full second faster around a cone eight feet away.  These are tremendous improvements at 96 years old.

The most improved was 67 year old hispanic woman.  She improved lower body strength by 5 chair stands in 30 seconds, improved lower body flexibility by 3 full inches and improved her dynamic balance and agility by 8.7 seconds!  Yes, that's right!  8.7 seconds faster getting up and moving around a cone that is 8 feet away.  This skill alone can save her life.

I am so proud of everyone in the class.  Investing in this brain-based balance training can save your life.  Learning how to move quicker, with more flexibility and stronger legs, will improve reaction times.  We practice reaction strategies so if you lose your balance, you know how to react appropriately.  This improves your self confidence.

Some other noteworthy improvements:
A baby boomer couple in the class for work-related interests both significantly improved lower body strength; one by 7 chair stands and the other by 3 in 30 seconds.

A gentleman who survived a stroke over 20 years ago increased his lower body strength by 2 chair stands and his dynamic balance and agility by 3.3 seconds.  He moves a full 3.3 seconds faster getting up from a chair and walking eight feet, without a cane.  His overall walking gait showed significant improvement as well.

A 72 year old lady did 5 more chair stands in 30 seconds and reached 3.3 inches further.
A 78-year old lady did 3 more chair stands and reached a full 4.5 inches further.  "Reaching further" is a measurement of lower body flexibility.  The ability to touch your toes.  The ability to pick your foot up and not drag your toes, reduced low back pain because hamstrings are more flexible.

An 86-year old man increased lower body strength by 2 chair stands and improved lower body flexibility by 2 inches.  AT AGE 86.

A lady with Parkinson's showed significant improvement in her posture and reaction speeds.

You're never too young or too old to improve the way you move.  Movement is life and it's time to start living!

This brain-based training is great for anyone who wants to gain control of her/his body and enjoy life on life's terms.