Our Community Strength and Balance Coordinator, Ann-Marie Lambly says, “one of my favourite things about my job is visiting small towns around Northland to meet with exercise providers such as Sarah Jane”.

Community strength and balance is all about improving core strength and balance of our 65 + year olds to help reduce the risk of a fall, avoid fractures, and possible brain injury.

So when Sarah Jane had recently been in touch to learn more about becoming an approved strength and balance provider for her mobility and balance classes in Russell, Ann-Marie was more than willing to support.

After sending some background information and requirements to align with ACC Live Stronger for Longer Programme, Ann-Marie visited and watched the delivery of Sarah Jane’s class held at the Oasis Community Church in Russell.

When becoming an approved class provider there are 9 criteria that must be met to be awarded with the tick of approval (this ensures that it’s in alignment with what the research tells us that doing exercises that strengthen your leg and core muscles and improve balance will reduce your risk of falling).

Sarah Jane was more than willing to modify her sessions and work with Ann-Marie to adapt her class delivery to meet all 9 evidence-based criteria.

Sarah Jane’s mobility and balance class is designed as a slow-paced class, which incorporates movements and activities to help improve basic strength, balance, coordination, and ease of movement for everyday life. She offers this class twice a week on Tuesdays at 3pm and Thursdays at 10am which is great for her community.

Here’s what Sarah Jane had to say about her journey, “I became a personal trainer to help people, and living in a small town with a lot of elderly, including my grandmother, I wanted to offer something to my community which makes a real difference to everyday lives. Becoming certified as a live stronger for longer class means I know I am offering the best possible approach to helping my communities most vulnerable. My hope is to reach more in need and grow my wonderful community of participants”.

Thanks Sarah Jane for the great mahi you are doing! If you’d like to join this exercise group, contact Empowering Movement 0212136909 and if you are a group fitness instructor already offering classes that work with over 65s, reach out to us here at Sport Northland on 0800 ACTIVE or email ann-mariel@sportnorth.co.nz.

Article written by Ann-Marie Lambly, Sport Northland's Community Strength and Blaance Coordinator