Falling wasn’t the objective here (for obvious reasons) however there was plenty of learning to ‘get back up’ at Whangarei’s first ever Falls Recovery Workshop, hosted by the Whangarei RSA. 

The morning saw participants rolling, turning, and smiling their way through a series of ‘getting back up from the floor’ techniques.  Supported by a handful of instructors (Merren Grigg – Senior Exercise Class Instructor, Anna Hewitt – Parafed Northland, and Noomi Johnsson, Ruth Shortland, Tania Heap and Mark Burkill – Sport Northland), 22 participants came together sharing stories and experiences, identified falling risks in the home and took turns lying on the floor and practicing getting back on their feet. 

The Falls Recovery workshop was planned by Strength and Balance class instructor Merren Grigg and Mark Burkill of Sport Northland to address the gap in physical training for older adults.  “There’s a lot more emphasis placed on exercise for seniors now, it has grown over the last couple of years.” says Mark, adding  “there still are some gaps, and it’s about connecting more people with programmes available to them.  Today was about trying something new, and seeing if there is a want, a need for more of this type of activity going forward”.

Here’s what some of the participants had to say about the workshop and exercise in general.

Mary Cooper shared how it surprised her how easily she got up, “I honestly thought that when I went down, I’m not going to be able to get up and you’re all going to laugh at me, but no, I got up easily”.  She also went on to say that the workshop is definately worth running again.

Gwendoline Kirkham recommends that people try strength and balance classes.  “I’m so glad I came, I didn’t think I’d get up and I said I must come and try”. 

June MacDonald talked of having attended Merren Grigg’s Senior Exercise class for the last four years.  She spoke of both Merren’s class and Tim Baxter’s Tai Chi having a positive effect on her health and wellbeing.  Of the workshop and its purpose she said that “recovering from falls is an overlooked thing, if you fall and you cant get up”. 

Sport Northland will be looking to facilitate more workshops in future.  If you would like more information please contact Mark Burkill 0275 838 087.

Participants putting themselves outside their comfort zone practicing rolling and standing techniques.