Community Strength & Balance (CSB) classes are programmes that aim to improve the balance and leg strength of older adults to reduce their risk of falling. Falls are a major cause of injury and disability among older people, affecting their independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.

We have many CSB classes operating around Northland with instructors who have met the evidence-based criteria to become recognised as an approved strength and balance provider. They provide safe and effective exercises that help older adults live stronger for longer and prevent falls and fall-related injuries.

Here’s some of the recent feedback and highlights from instructors about the benefits of becoming involved in these classes and the relationship between instructor, participant and peers.

Sarah Jane from Empowering Movement Russell and Kawakawa noted, many of the participants now find their ability to stand on one leg has greatly improved, and they are able to bend to touch their toes without a chair for support. 

Functional Movement with Mark Burkill highlighted how his class does 40 sit to stands, (with 6 isometric squeezing of their legs and glutes) over 3 minutes of nonstop repetition. “These guys are powerful, really strong fit class!!!” says Mark.

Mandi and Merrin in Whangarei noticed how new people are coming to give it a try “we had 7 people come along during the Silver Festival” says Mandi at Porowini Avenue class. While Merren at the Seventh Day Church says, “the class continues to tick along. We've had 6 new participants join this quarter plus several who came along but decided the class wasn't for them.” But its about giving it a go and its okay if it’s not your cup of tea.

Merren had taken six weeks leave and was concerned her class wouldn’t operate. Fortunately, she had a class participant come forward and did a brilliant job at providing cover. A class in Kerikeri also came across the same dilemma when both instructors away during August. “Our participants were adamant that the classes continue. One of our regular attendees agreed to take the Monday class. We asked the regulars to support her which they did beautifully and by all accounts they had lots of fun. She used to be a PE teacher and the support given by residents really boosted her confidence” says Sue from Kerikeri Retirement Village. 

Bett who also facilitates a class at the Seventh Day Church shared feedback from her class members in how they love the class strength coordination and how their balance had improved and made friends “the social aspect of exercise is just as important and beneficial. A male class member had bowel cancer surgery and is back in class after just a few weeks. The surgeon reported his fitness was why. Yeeha”

If you’d like to find a class near you to give it a go. Visit gthe Live Stronger For Longer here to find your nearest class.

Article written by Ann-Marie Lambly, Community Strength and Balance Coordinator