Science Supported

Strength Based Activities:

Strength-based formats are classes that incorporate the use of resistance training to achieve a wide range of results. Assisted Living locations typically are able to use dumbbells of various weights as well as rubber bands or spri tubing to reach strength results. Classes can be choreographed to venue appropriate music to motivate. Strength-based formats have many benefits for participants who suffer from the following:

  • Morning Fatigue

  • Shortness of Breath

  • Chest Pain

  • Irregular/Rapid Heartbeat

  • Dizziness/Lightheadedness

  • Severe Abdominal, Pelvic, or Back Pain

Physical benefits from regular strength training include the following:

  • Increased Metabolization of Medications

  • Improved Body Composition

  • Improved Movement and Postural Control

  • Increased Bone Density

Strength training has also been shown to benefit mental health and cognitive ability while also promoting positive changes in self-esteem.

Cardio-Based Activity:

Cardio-based formats include a variety of class types. Dancing, seated or standing, Zumba, seated or standing, seated or standing choreographed low impact aerobics.

Beneficial for:

  • Participants with Hypertension

  • Joint or bone discomfort

  • Overall Heart and Lung health

In group fitness, we assist our participants in finding an appropriate intensity that will help improve their health and fitness.

Benefits of Cardio-Based Classes:

  • Improved Blood Flow

  • Lower Blood Pressure

  • Increase Oxygen Consumption

  • Flush Organs

  • Reintroduce Medications into the body system

Balance Focused Work

Balance training should be included to prevent falls. There should be a focus on building bone mineral density (BMD) with heavy resistance training (8 to 10 reps) for major muscle groups. Medications can have a drastic effect on performance and will have side effects that can affect performance 

Fall Prevention Drills:

The Single-Leg Stance test is the first assessment to administer. The objective is to test balance by standing on one leg as long as possible

  1. Cue participants to stand on a firm surface with feet together and arms down at their sides, near a chair or wall.

  2. Identify an object in front of them where they can focus their eyes. 

  3. Ask participants to stand on their dominant leg and bend the opposite knee, lifting the foot toward their backside. Prevent the legs from touching each other. Begin your stopwatch as soon as the member achieves this position.

30-second Chair Stand Test-

  1. Begin by positioning the chair with the back against a wall. 

  2. Cue participants to sit forward in the chair, upright, feet flat on the floor shoulder-width apart, and arms crossed at the chest. 

  3. Give the signal to go while simultaneously starting the timer.   

  4. Participants rise to a full standing position and then sit down, touching the seat of the chair, and repeat as many times as possible within 30 seconds.

  5. Count the number of times the participant stands. For the stand to be counted, the participant must have completed the movement fully.