Program details

AFFORDABLE STRENGTH AND BALANCE CLASSES FOR OVER 50s    

An exciting and affordable new exercise program is now available for people aged 50-100+ in Penrith.

Living Longer Living Stronger is an innovative strength and balance program for older people. It involves progressive resistance training to improve your strength, balance and mobility, as well as having benefits for your overall energy and vitality.

The program was developed by COTA (Council on the Ageing) Australia. Your Living Longer living Stronger instructors have all undertaken specialised training with COTA NSW which covers the needs of older people and how to work with the types of injuries and conditions that affect older people.

‘The beauty of the Living Longer Living Stronger program is that it is individually designed for each participant, and the instructors will take your specific needs and goals into consideration when preparing your program,’ said COTA NSW CEO Meagan Lawson.

‘Moving and getting stronger has a flow-on effect on your general quality of life. You’ll be better able to carry shopping and play with your grandchildren, as well as reducing the risk of falls and other injuries. And the classes are also a great way to meet new people.’

Local Fitness professional Tristan Summerhayes has been running the Living Longer Living Stronger Program in the area for over a year. Kathryn, a participant in the class, says she had never been inside a gym before in her entire life!

‘When I first signed up to the Living Longer Living Stronger program the thought of a gym was extremely daunting to me, but I decided on this program, and I am glad I did,’ she said. ‘Tristan is so comforting and really has helped me become confident in the setting.

‘Tristan gives crystal clear instructions, he is very encouraging and really helps you understand each exercise and the purpose behind it. Together with his bright personality and always-positive attitude, I couldn’t be happier.’

Tristan is also very positive about what the program can achieve. ‘Living longer Living Stronger has been perfect for our local seniors. We have created a specific program to enable them to strengthen their bodies, socialise and feel comfortable in a gym setting.’

‘We often hear that people are unwilling to exercise because they have injuries or don’t know how or where to start. Living Longer Living Stronger gives me the chance develop a plan that is right for each person and help them build their strength and fitness, no matter where they are starting from.’

Living Longer Living Stronger is very reasonably priced. You undertake an initial assessment to develop your personal program which costs $40, and from there classes cost $10 per session.

The classes are held at Penrith PCYC on Tuesday and Thursday at 10am.

Opening hours:

Tuesday 10am & Thursday 10am

Cost:

Cost per visit: $10

Target age:

50 Plus

Participants who would not be suitable for the program:

Not suitable for people with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's or Dementia, or immediate post-surgery or for those dependent on a walker at all times.

Minimum experience:

Beginner

Leader qualifications:

Fitness Leader - Accredited

Fitness Leader - Registered Cert III

Fitness Leader - Registered Cert IV