Media Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Every Thursday morning, a large group of around 30 participants head to the Hokitika Swimming Pool to enjoy an hour of Senior Fit aqua class with instructor and Pool Supervisor, Angie Paul. This popular class was recently accredited under the ACC Live Stronger for Longer programme as an approved strength and balance programme.
Assessor Lily Purdon from Sport Canterbury was full of praise for Angie’s teaching style and the content of the class, “I think you designed a very smart exercise class and ordered your tracks/exercises well. There was a great mix of aerobic movement to target ‘cardio’ and co-ordination as well as using the equipment and the water to do lots of strength and resistance work. I think there were great peaks and troughs (intensity wise) throughout the work out so people could continue working hard throughout while targeting different parts of their body/fitness.”
Ms Purdon also noted the appeal of the class to younger people who were doing rehabilitation, and the number of men who were attending, “It also isn’t often we see many men attending strength and balance classes, especially aqua-based classes, so this really shows your skill set and experience of how everyone feels welcome and enjoys your classes.”
Of the accreditation and praise in the report, Angie says, “I am pleased that our Senior Fit class was well received by Lily when she came to join in with us. Strength and balance is a vitally important part of the aging process to help people not only ‘Live longer and Stronger’, but to stay in their own homes for longer and retain their independence. The class is also well suited to any age group as moves can be modified to make them harder for younger, fitter people. People of any age with injuries that need to be rehabilitated will also benefit from the class.
It is great that the Hokitika Pool now has this accreditation from ACC and people in need will be able find class information and come and join in. I am proud of my classes and every person who comes along, we have a lot of fun, a good sense of community and unity. They work very hard without realising it. Water is by far the best way to exercise as we age, it’s very gentle on joints and the body in general. Things can be achieved in the water that would simply be impossible on land. Get into it Hokitika!!”
ENDS
Notes
ACC Live Stronger is a national programme designed to help older people live healthy lives and prevent falls and fractures.
Media enquiries to:
Emma Rae, Strategy and Communications Advisor
Emma.rae@westlanddc.govt.nz