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Fall Prevention
  Ways to Prevent Falls
  Balance Information
  Nutrition
  Awareness Day
Sept 22, 2011
  Exercise Opportunities by County
  Exercise Information
  For Professionals
 
 

 

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Types of Exercise Classes

 

 

Which class works best for you?
Try to find a class that is challenging and safe.

Aerobics
Movement to music, usually led by trained instructors who choreograph their routines.

Chair Exercises (Sit and Be Fit)
Stretching, strengthening and movements to music while seated in a chair.

Core Conditioning/Exercise Balls
Specialized classes working on back and stomach muscles.  Balance is also a component as exercise balls are round!

Enhance Fitness
Community and evidence-based group exercise program focusing on stretching, flexibility, balance, low impact aerobics, and strength training exercises.

Fall Prevention
Exercises designed to increase leg strength and improve balance.  Classes often include the use of strength training machines and provide general information about preventing falls.

General Fitness
Classes that combine aerobic (continuous use of large muscles) and strength training and stretching to improve endurance, strength and flexibility.  Improvement and maintenance in each of these aspects of fitness helps to decrease the risk for falls.

Pilates
Exercise classes that help build strength and flexibility, with an emphasis on lengthening and alignment, rather than on building muscle mass.  Pilates’ focus on building core muscles and postural awareness are especially well indicated for the alleviation and prevention of back pain.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program
Classes and gym memberships available at no additional cost to individuals who belong to participating Medicare health plans or Medicare supplement carriers.

Strength/Weight Training
Using either machines or free weights, these exercises add resistance to muscles in order to increase strength.

Tai Chi
Series of slow, rhythmic movements that require trunk rotation, shifting weight from one foot to the other, and coordination between upper and lower body movements.

Yoga
Various postural exercises that focus on the mind, body and spirit.  Movements are designed to improve flexibility and strength as well as focus on breath control and, to varying degrees dependent on the instructor, meditation to alleviate stress.

Remember, before beginning a new type of exercise routine it is wise to check with your physician for recommendations or restrictions.