Spring forward, fall backward. If it was up to me, there wouldn't be ANY falls (especially backward) but as the "Fall Lady", I hear jokes about the season of fall often. Since we turned clocks forward today, I would like to announce my upcoming balance training classes in the Sacramento region.
When I refer to my "classes", I am talking about the FallProof™ balance training sessions that progressively challenge the body's balance systems. Classes meet for one-hour, twice a week, for four weeks; a total of eight classes. Class size is limited to no fewer than 6 and no more than 14 participants.
I conduct pre- and post-assessment fitness data on each person so I allow two hours for the first class so everyone can complete paperwork and get tested. There is a fee that is not covered by insurance yet so contact me if you are interested in this physical-therapy based balance training program.
As of now, I have two balance training sessions scheduled for April in the Sacramento region.
Balance training classes:
1. Presentation of the Virgin Mary Church (4123 Robertson Ave, Sacramento, 95821)
12:30p-1:30p, Monday and Friday
March 31-April 28, 2014
THIS TRAINING CLASS IS FULL
2. Fremont Presbyterian Church (8770 Carlson Dr Sacramento, 95819). Across from Sac State.
9:00-10:15 am, Monday & Friday
April 7-May 2, 2014
Call to register: 916-452-7132
I will keep you posted as new class locations are determined.
Hope to see you in class.
Spring forward!
The Fall Prevention Lady
Showing posts with label sacramento fallProof classes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sacramento fallProof classes. Show all posts
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Mobility 101: "We're walking so much better....."
Balance and mobility: keeping yourself upright and walking.
Improved balance and mobility: enjoying your life without constant fear of falling.
I love teaching (FallProof™) balance and mobility classes in the community. In my last 6-week training session at Parkside Community Church, I worked with a couple who are both 83 years old and who have been married over 60 years. They love each other, their family, and their lives. They took my class because he has a history of falls. A friend strongly recommended my class to them.
After 12 sessions, his posture improved dramatically and they both improved in all three fitness tests related to fall risk. Tonight I got a call from them and they wanted to thank me again for my class. This type of telephone call just makes my day. Mr. H went on to tell me that my class had changed their lives and that they both were walking so much better.
He was proud to report that they were still doing the exercises that I recommend and that they couldn't wait until the next training session when they'll be in town. This couple gets it! They took the tools I gave them and used them to improve their balance.
It's like I told them on the first day of class, '...the best years of your life are still ahead of you. Learn how to improve your balance and mobility today to prevent falls and remain independent tomorrow.'
He said he had tons of friends and they all need to take my class! He also wanted to know if it was alright if he gave them my information. Alright? Spread the word, my friend.
My new book, "The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention" will cover everything you need to know to improve your balance and mobility today in order to remain independent tomorrow.....
The Fall Prevention Lady,
Kelly Ward
Improved balance and mobility: enjoying your life without constant fear of falling.
I love teaching (FallProof™) balance and mobility classes in the community. In my last 6-week training session at Parkside Community Church, I worked with a couple who are both 83 years old and who have been married over 60 years. They love each other, their family, and their lives. They took my class because he has a history of falls. A friend strongly recommended my class to them.
After 12 sessions, his posture improved dramatically and they both improved in all three fitness tests related to fall risk. Tonight I got a call from them and they wanted to thank me again for my class. This type of telephone call just makes my day. Mr. H went on to tell me that my class had changed their lives and that they both were walking so much better.
He was proud to report that they were still doing the exercises that I recommend and that they couldn't wait until the next training session when they'll be in town. This couple gets it! They took the tools I gave them and used them to improve their balance.
It's like I told them on the first day of class, '...the best years of your life are still ahead of you. Learn how to improve your balance and mobility today to prevent falls and remain independent tomorrow.'
He said he had tons of friends and they all need to take my class! He also wanted to know if it was alright if he gave them my information. Alright? Spread the word, my friend.
My new book, "The Complete Guide to Fall Prevention" will cover everything you need to know to improve your balance and mobility today in order to remain independent tomorrow.....
The Fall Prevention Lady,
Kelly Ward
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Balanced training improves more than balance
I just finished teaching two 6-week FallProof™ balance and mobility training sessions to older adults living in Sacramento; at Parkside Community Church and Fremont Presbyterian Church. The groups were larger than average but still small enough to be intimate. Friendships were formed and individuals made SIGNIFICANT improvements in balance and fitness parameters as a result of training.
In addition to recognizably improved postures, I know that class participants improved physically because the numbers don't lie! An integral part of The Fall Prevention Lady's balance training classes are the senior fitness testing assessments and evaluations, done the first and last day of class, respectively. One lady was able to get up and go around a chair 9 seconds faster and she practically abandoned the use of her walker. A gentleman with Parkinson's Disease improved his lower body flexibility by 5.5 inches and one lady more than doubled her lower body strength.
These are examples of some of the greatest gains made by participating in the six-week fall prevention exercise program that I instruct in the Sacramento region. Nearly everyone improved in all three areas of fitness associated with fall risk while everyone improved in at least one testing component. The importance of participating in a well-balanced training program cannot be understated; a person needs to challenge balance, strength and flexibility. As a person engages in a consistent exercise program, she/he simultaneously increases endurance as the body adapts to these new demands.
Take 5 to Exercise each day!
In addition to recognizably improved postures, I know that class participants improved physically because the numbers don't lie! An integral part of The Fall Prevention Lady's balance training classes are the senior fitness testing assessments and evaluations, done the first and last day of class, respectively. One lady was able to get up and go around a chair 9 seconds faster and she practically abandoned the use of her walker. A gentleman with Parkinson's Disease improved his lower body flexibility by 5.5 inches and one lady more than doubled her lower body strength.
These are examples of some of the greatest gains made by participating in the six-week fall prevention exercise program that I instruct in the Sacramento region. Nearly everyone improved in all three areas of fitness associated with fall risk while everyone improved in at least one testing component. The importance of participating in a well-balanced training program cannot be understated; a person needs to challenge balance, strength and flexibility. As a person engages in a consistent exercise program, she/he simultaneously increases endurance as the body adapts to these new demands.
Take 5 to Exercise each day!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sacramento FallProof™ balance and mobilty class schedule
I wanted to let everyone know where I will be teaching the next round of community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility training sessions. The classes meet for one-hour, twice a week, for 4 or 6-weeks. I will be changing to ONLY six-week format in January. This progressively challenging balance training program works IF YOU WORK IT.
There is a fee for these classes. Simply call class location to register. Hope to see you soon.
There is a fee for these classes. Simply call class location to register. Hope to see you soon.
FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Training
Classes and Locations
Oct. 3-Oct. 27: Parkside Community Church
5700 S. Land Park Dr, Sacramento 95822
Mon/Thurs: 3-4 pm
Oct. 4-Oct. 28: Fremont Presbyterian Church
5770 Carlson Dr, Sacramento, 95819
Tues/Fri: 9-10am
Oct. 4-Oct. 28: Senior Connection
8525 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks, 95628
Tues/Fri: 12:30-1:30p
Oct. 14- Nov.14: Carmichael Presbyterian Church
5645 Marconi Ave, Carmichael, 95608
Tues/Fri: 2-3p
Oct. 3-Oct. 26: Asian Community Center
7375 Park City Drive Sacramento, CA
Oct 3- Oct 27: Consumes Service District
8828 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, 95624
Mon/Thurs: 1-2p
Oct 4-Oct 28: Swanston Community Center
2350 Northrop Ave, Sacramento, 95825
Tues/Friday: 10:30-11:30a
Oct. 10- Nov 17: Creekside Oaks (6 week session)
1715 Creekside Dr., Folsom, CA. 95630
Mon/Thurs: 9a-10a
TAUGHT BY:
THE FALL PREVENTION LADY
Kelly Ward
Certified FallProof™ Balance and Mobility Specialist
MS, Therapeutic Aging
Call Class location or Kelly (916) 821-5715 to register
INVEST IN YOUR INDEPENDENCE
REDUCE FALL RISK
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Frail elders in Sacramento fall prevention class show significant improvements
Even the oldest of the old can benefit from a fall prevention exercise program. In a class where the average age was 88 and most were living with multiple chronic conditions, everyone demonstrated improvement in fall-related fitness parameters after participating a 5-week balance and mobility training program.
Prior to beginning the class, the associate director of FallProof™ provided me with the FallProof™ for Frail elders program plans. Confident in the program, I progressively challenged the multisensory and musculoskeletal systems of these older adults. After 2 weeks, I noticed endurance levels improving as participants were able to complete the class with less fatigue (and less complaining!).
After 3 weeks, postures showed tremendous improvement as participants stood taller and quickly responded to verbal cuing. But mostly, participants shared "ah-ha" moments each week as they experienced benefits of training in their everyday lives.
I can talk about observations and realizations all day long but the truth is in the numbers. Numbers derived by pre- and post-class assessment testing. Each person in the class improved in at least one area of fitness related to fall risk. The greatest improvement was in a 91 year old lady who uses a scooter and a cane for mobility.
Listen to her numbers....
The stretching and strengthening exercises are all in my seated exercise DVD series, Take 5 to Exercise. The Basic 5 stretches are beneficial to everyone, regardless of age.
The moral of the blog is that it's never too late to benefit from consistent exercise program. People in the class wished they knew me 10 years ago....don't look back in 10 years and say, I wish I had listened....get active today! Order your set of fall prevention exercise DVDs and make the time to Take 5 to Exercise each day!
Prior to beginning the class, the associate director of FallProof™ provided me with the FallProof™ for Frail elders program plans. Confident in the program, I progressively challenged the multisensory and musculoskeletal systems of these older adults. After 2 weeks, I noticed endurance levels improving as participants were able to complete the class with less fatigue (and less complaining!).
After 3 weeks, postures showed tremendous improvement as participants stood taller and quickly responded to verbal cuing. But mostly, participants shared "ah-ha" moments each week as they experienced benefits of training in their everyday lives.
I can talk about observations and realizations all day long but the truth is in the numbers. Numbers derived by pre- and post-class assessment testing. Each person in the class improved in at least one area of fitness related to fall risk. The greatest improvement was in a 91 year old lady who uses a scooter and a cane for mobility.
Listen to her numbers....
- She increased her lower body flexibility by 6.5 inches
- She increased her lower body strength by being able to get out of the chair 7 times using her hands compared to ZERO at pre-test
- She improved dynamic balance by being able to get up and walk around a cone 4.8 seconds faster!
Amazing. This lady is so grateful for this class and I am so grateful she was in the class.
The stretching and strengthening exercises are all in my seated exercise DVD series, Take 5 to Exercise. The Basic 5 stretches are beneficial to everyone, regardless of age.
The moral of the blog is that it's never too late to benefit from consistent exercise program. People in the class wished they knew me 10 years ago....don't look back in 10 years and say, I wish I had listened....get active today! Order your set of fall prevention exercise DVDs and make the time to Take 5 to Exercise each day!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Fall Prevention exercise incorporates purposeful play
As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), I have studied and appreciate the value of recreation and leisure activities for the physical, emotional, spiritual and social benefits. However the "games" we played as children are not only fun but also therapeutic. When engaged in regularly, purposeful play has the potential to improve the quality of life for older adults by reducing the risk of falls.
I currently offer progressively challenging FallProof™ balance and mobility training to older adults living in the Sacramento region. As a certified instructor, I follow Dr. Rose's professionally-designed program plan to safely challenge participants (she does NOT encourage creativity for a reason...she knows what works!). I constantly remind people that this is not a senior fitness class but these are intimate group training classes.
Sound serious? It is! Falls are a severe problem among older adults and preventing falls is a serious matter. I take what I do seriously but FallProof™ balance and mobility training is not all work; these balance and mobility classes are fun, too! Each class incorporates a "culminating activity" that challenges the skills taught in daily lesson.
Purposeful Play. I am continually learning the value of the games I played as a kid as I have my older adult participants "play" in class. The only difference is now I'm teaching how to remain balanced. Purposeful play....reducing the risk of falls and having fun!
I currently offer progressively challenging FallProof™ balance and mobility training to older adults living in the Sacramento region. As a certified instructor, I follow Dr. Rose's professionally-designed program plan to safely challenge participants (she does NOT encourage creativity for a reason...she knows what works!). I constantly remind people that this is not a senior fitness class but these are intimate group training classes.
Sound serious? It is! Falls are a severe problem among older adults and preventing falls is a serious matter. I take what I do seriously but FallProof™ balance and mobility training is not all work; these balance and mobility classes are fun, too! Each class incorporates a "culminating activity" that challenges the skills taught in daily lesson.
Purposeful Play. I am continually learning the value of the games I played as a kid as I have my older adult participants "play" in class. The only difference is now I'm teaching how to remain balanced. Purposeful play....reducing the risk of falls and having fun!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Awareness of balance systems prevents future fall
I just completed the beginner level session of the community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility training program at Clarksburg Community Church. At the beginning of the third week, participants in this progressively challenging fall prevention exercise class starting to talk about the noticeable changes they were feeling. People proudly shared their July 4th stories, stating how they were able to do things they couldn't do last year or how they noticed a potentially dangerous situation and avoided it or approached it cautiously to prevent a fall. Awareness of fall risk factors coupled with an awareness of FallProof™ training techniques result in safer behaviors which results in reduced risk of a fall.
As their instructor, I immediately notice differences in individual movement patterns and exercise form. I see postures improve, endurance levels increase and balance confidence escalate as people attempt balance challenges that were previously avoided or attempted hesitantly. However the results of this balance training program are not mere observations. Using standardized testing procedures, I collect data (before and after participating in the class) to measure fitness parameters directly related to fall risk.
After the 4-week FallProof™ balance and mobility intervention at Clarksburg Community Church, the 9 participants demonstrated unanimous improvement in dynamic balance and agility, lower body flexibility and/or lower body strength! Everyone improved in at least one category while most improved in all three tests. The greatest improvements were seen in participants who struggled the most during the assessment testing or were more physically deconditioned. In fact, one lady not only improved the number of times she was able to get out of the chair but also DID NOT HAVE TO USE HER HANDS to get out of the chair during evaluation testing! Woo-hoo!
Due to summer heat and crazy schedules, I will not be teaching in July or August at Clarksburg but will resume teaching an intermediate and beginner level in September. During the last session I received so much positive feedback about the class, especially how an increased awareness of fall risk factors and the body systems involved in balance have helped reduce and/or prevent a fall situation. Get educated, get active and Take 5 to Exercise every day!
Praise the Lord!
As their instructor, I immediately notice differences in individual movement patterns and exercise form. I see postures improve, endurance levels increase and balance confidence escalate as people attempt balance challenges that were previously avoided or attempted hesitantly. However the results of this balance training program are not mere observations. Using standardized testing procedures, I collect data (before and after participating in the class) to measure fitness parameters directly related to fall risk.
After the 4-week FallProof™ balance and mobility intervention at Clarksburg Community Church, the 9 participants demonstrated unanimous improvement in dynamic balance and agility, lower body flexibility and/or lower body strength! Everyone improved in at least one category while most improved in all three tests. The greatest improvements were seen in participants who struggled the most during the assessment testing or were more physically deconditioned. In fact, one lady not only improved the number of times she was able to get out of the chair but also DID NOT HAVE TO USE HER HANDS to get out of the chair during evaluation testing! Woo-hoo!
Due to summer heat and crazy schedules, I will not be teaching in July or August at Clarksburg but will resume teaching an intermediate and beginner level in September. During the last session I received so much positive feedback about the class, especially how an increased awareness of fall risk factors and the body systems involved in balance have helped reduce and/or prevent a fall situation. Get educated, get active and Take 5 to Exercise every day!
Praise the Lord!
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!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
FallProof™ balance & mobility classes in Sacramento!
I am officially teaching community-based FallProof™ balance and mobility classes in the communities of Sacramento. FallProof™ is a 12-week balance and mobility exercise program designed to reduce the risk of falls among higher functioning older adults. The class meets twice a week for one-hour sessions and yes, there is homework. Or as I like to call it...homeplay!
The first Sacramento-based FallProof™ session started at Parkside Community Church in South Sacramento. I am offering the evidence-based fall risk reduction program in 4-week segments; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. FallProof™ is a progressively challenging program that builds on skills learned the first day of class. Therefore, enrollment is closed to new participants after the second class.
There are 17 participants in this first community-based FallProof™ session and their ages range from 58 to 91 years old! Two people use a walker and one uses a cane as an assistive device for mobility. Despite these limitations, they are participating in the gait pattern variation enhancement training segment and I am so excited to see them engaged in activity the entire class period.
This is the first of many FallProof™ classes that I plan on offering to local communities. If you want to participate in one of the top fall prevention exercise programs in the United States, sign up at one of the following locations:
MEET twice a week for 4 weeks
Parkside Community Church: Beginner and Intermediate level in May and June, 2011
Once a week Introductory class
Howe Park: 6-week Beginner level in May, 2011
Once a week
Cordova Senior Activity Center: Beginner and intermediate level in May, 2011
Atria El Camino Gardens: Beginner level in May, 2011
Contact me if you are interested in setting up a FallProof™ class in your community or facility. Email: livinfit@gmail.com
Praise the Lord.
The Fall Prevention Lady
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