JustWorkout has gyms with full facilities and a range of classes across the Shore. Four of JustWorkout’s North Shore gyms (Albany, Forrest Hill, Birkenhead and Devonport) run classes specially tailored to over-60s who want to get or keep fit. Active Ageing classes offer a guided programme with a trainer offering a variety of exercises that can help anyone achieve and maintain an active and independent lifestyle.
The experienced instructors demonstrate all the exercises, make sure you execute them correctly and give hands-on advice. The intensity level is adjusted to each individual’s ability. Classes include a range of fitness components, from resistance training (to improve muscle mass, strength and functional fitness) to balance exercises (which help avoid falls, and improve gait), flexibility training (to increase the range of motion in joints and aid balance and mobility), and cardio training. The latter is low impact endurance training that helps maintain efficient heart and lung function for any ongoing activity.
Sally Heath is a registered personal trainer and Tai Chi instructor who takes Active Ageing classes in Forrest Hill. She believes in offering variety to class members. “I try not to do two exercises the same in a month. I want them to be there and engaging their brains and their muscles. We use weights and barbells, and do agility exercises. We also do choreographed drumming moves to music – the classes love that! At Forrest Hill, I also do Tai Chi on the first Monday of every month, and on the last Friday, after which we have a shared lunch.”
“By offering variations in the exercises I can cater for different levels of ability,” she adds. “It’s about security for each person I am training so they feel empowered.”
At Albany, there is more use of the gym equipment, with Jess, the instructor there, providing individualised attention. Towards the end of the session, the class comes together in the group fitness room for 15 minutes of stretching.
Anyone is welcome to join the classes at any time, and at any level of fitness, – with or without any previous exercise experience. Just Workout advises everyone to have a medical check before starting these classes or any form of exercise and offers an initial pre-exercise questionnaire and health screening test. Sally also checks whether class members have any prior or existing injuries, and can adjust each day’s programme for individuals as necessary. Most people come along for their first class “scared silly of looking silly, and of hurting themselves,” Sally says. Within four weeks though, participants become much more confident – about attending classes and in other areas of their lives.
The classes, says Sally, provide social and mental stimulation as much as physical, and new members quickly become part of a support network that extends beyond the gym.
“The more you do, the stronger your body and mind get,” Sally says. For most class members (who are aged from their mid-60s to early 90s), Sally says two classes per week is enough but recommends supplementing that with tai chi or other exercise like yoga, walking, swimming or cycling. Those who are fitter can attend additional classes at any of the gyms, and also join the gym and exercise independently.
However anyone chooses to participate, it seems Sally and her colleagues at other Just Workout gyms offer no excuses and plenty of reasons to remain physically and mentally active for as long as you are able.
JustWorkout Active Ageing classes are from 11am-12pm: Tuesdays and Thursdays at Albany and Birkenhead; Mondays and Fridays at Forrest Hill; and Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Devonport. You can attend classes at any of the gyms city-wide, and take in as many (or as few) classes a week as you can fit in. Classes are just $6 per visit or $55 for a 10-session card.
http://justworkout.co.nz/classes/active-aging-classes/
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