There are a number of factors that may contribute to a fall including muscle weakness, and impaired standing balance. The good news is that there is strong evidence that regular participation in a strength and balance-based exercise program can significantly reduce an older adult's risk of falling.

Using a chair for support, you will get a gentle but effective full body workout! When standing, your chair becomes a stabilizer, allowing you to challenge yourself and remain safe and steady. Grab some light dumbbells, soup can, or household items for additional weight.

Join others in the Stepping Out to Fitness Challenge! It's a fun way to exercise and maybe even win a gift card! Fill out the form and pick up your t-shirt at Elderwerks Center.

April Monthly Log 

The monthly Stepping Out to Fitness Log

“I cannot get motivated to get to the gym”…tell us Jennifer Prell, how does someone combat that feeling or thought? Jennifer, President and founder of Elderwerks, encouraged everyone with all the benefits and different ways to move your body. She stressed that our muscles are like rubber bands and if you don’t use them you will lose them. She was up to almost an hour on the rowing machine only to move to a new place, not get back into the routine, and now she’s back to 10 minutes at a time. But she will keep working on it and build those muscles.

Leah Seidel from Golden Oak Personal Training shares some wellness tips to stay healthy.

Walking benefits your health in many ways. Learn more about the importance of walking and how often you should walk each week.

Learn about the benefits of staying active and how to set up reasonable and meaningful health goals. Jen will be demonstrating a variety of cardio, strength, flexibility, balance, and breathing exercises. Presented By: Jenifer Anderson, Group Exercise Director/Club Manager, Good Shepherd Hospital Health and Fitness Center

Join Suzanne Janusz Senior Fitness Specialist, Personal Trainer and Lifestyle coach with Destination Fitness and her client Jane, as they demonstrate a half hour workout you can do in the comfort of your home to help improve circulation, balance, strength, and flexibility! You can still stay active even if you have limited mobility. We can help you adapt your fitness routine to meet your needs and abilities! Chair exercises are a fun and easy way for seniors of all ages to remain active without putting unnecessary stress on their bodies. Sitting while exercising is the perfect option for someone who has balance issues or is a fall risk. The majority of seniors who do seated exercises experience improved health, physical and emotional benefits. Exercise also improves your mood which we all need during the winter months! So, grab a chair and a glass of water and join us for a fun seated fitness class!

Jaynie from Good Shepherd Fitness Center presents chair exercises in this video.

Core & Stretch exercise video with Jen from Good Shepherd Fitness Center.

Sue Grossinger, Advocate Aurora Good Shepherd Hospital, presents tips to prevent falls at Elderwerks Educational Senior Fair August 2020.