Life Fit
This fantastic YMCA Lifestyle Programme for Older Adults or those looking for gentler exercise, designed to be fun, to keep you agile, active, improve and maintain your fitness and give you the opportunity to meet new people.
General
We feel it is advisable for you to check with your GP before embarking on any exercise programme. It is vital that you inform your instructor of any ailment or medical condition you may have, e.g high blood pressure, diabetes, angina, asthma etc. You should bring any medication required with you on every programme, for your safety. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, eg shorts or trackpants with a t-shirt, with safe comfortable shoes.
What does the YMCA's Lifestyle Programme offer me?
Our Programme will offer you qualified experienced, caring instructors, bringing you classes catering for people of all levels of fitness and ability. Here are a few of the sessions we have available. Note which are run at the City or Bishopdale YMCA only.
Step Classes - Bishopdale only
A new concept in fitness involves stepping up and down on a wooden platform of your chosen height, to a combination of arm and leg movement. Step is a low impact programme reducing the risk of injury which is of particular value to Older Adults. This class provides a cardiovascular work out together with hip, leg strength and muscle tone. Coordination and concentration get a good work out as well.
Stretch and Tone - Bishopdale only
The aim is to move the body through its full range of motion gently stretching, strengthening and toning the muscles. Although an ideal beginners class, it is also particularly suitable for more athletic people who need to improve their flexibility. Stretch bands, hand weights and bars are used for resistance exercises, important for maintaining and in some cases improving bone density and delaying effects of osteoporosis.
Circuit Training - City and Bishopdale
This is a 60min class, good for beginners and general fitness. It puts you through a variety of moves using both equipment to improve muscle strength and exercises for cardiovascular fitness. This class gives people the opportunity of working with equipment in a safe, controlled environment. Provides weight bearing exercises essential in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Sit and Be Fit - Bishopdale YMCA
An ideal class for people new to exercise with limited mobility or lower body difficulties or for those wanting a work out with greater emphasis on joint mobility. The chairs are used to exercise on, or around, and the gentle work out aims to improve the muscle strength and heart and lung fitness, with gentle stretching for flexibility. Class costs $3, concessions available.
Exercise to Music - City and Bishopdale
These classes are designed especially for the Older Adult. The classes are non-competitive, safe and fun to attend. Although you are in a group situation we emphasise the importance of working at your own pace and encourage you to do this. You will begin your class with a series of warm up exercises, followed by cardiovascular work, cooling down and leading into strength work on major muscle groups and gentle stretching to improve flexibility.
Stability Balls & Weights - City
Improve balance and stability using large stability balls for support: increasing muscle and bone strength using light hand weights, balls and resistance bands. Excellent for preventing or delaying osteoporosis.
Pilates for Older Adults - Bishopdale
An 8 week course of gentle Pilates suited to the needs of older adults. Learn to improve posture by training and strengthening postural muscles and increasing flexibility. Courses run each term and cost $40. More advanced courses are available once you have completed the two introduction and Level one courses. Ring Bishopdale YMCA, 3598320, for times and dates for each course level.
Life Fit Combo Class - City
A Combo class for all abilities and levels of fitness. Promotes healthy muscles, bones and hearts.
Y's City Walking - City only
Walks last 60 - 90 minutes, starting at 9.00am or 9.30am. On Tuesdays walkers meet for a walk in different areas of Christchurch and on Thursdays meet at the YMCA and walk around Hagley Park or nearby. Y's Walking caters for fitness at all levels and the emphasis is on fun, friendship and never walking alone. A monthly bus trip open to all YMCA members and friends travels to different areas of Canterbury for walks and visits to places of interest.
Social Programme
Throughout the year the Older Adults group will have social outings, trips, talks, and get togethers. We are always looking for suggestions and ideas of things to go, so if you have ideas or details of a trip etc, please see Jill or ring her about it.
FEES (as from 1st February 2008)
All exercise classes are:
| $4.50 | Casual |
| $40 | 10 card concession |
| $80 | 20 card concession |
| $3.00 | Sit and Be Fit ($25 for 10 visits) |
| $30 | Y's Walking per year |
If you have difficulty meeting the required fees we may be able to help (including the social programme) please phone Jill.
Courses
Through the year a variety of courses will be held that have either been suggested by members or that we feel may be of a particular interest or benefit to you. These may include talks on nutrition or health related matters, and courses in Tai Chi and Yoga.
Please contact Jill O'Connor for more information, she can be contacted at:
Jill O'Connor
City YMCA
12 Hereford St
ph 366 0689 or 359 6647 . This fantastic YMCA Lifestyle Programme for Older Adults, designed to be fun, to keep you agile, active, improve and maintain your fitness and give you the opportunity to meet new people.