Active Balance classes
Losing balance and falling or tripping, especially on a regular basis, can seriously affect our confidence in getting around independently. Many things can affect the ability to remain steady on our feet, including conditions like arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, Parkinsons' Disease, vertigo, labyrinthitis, Meniere's Disease and dyspraxia, as well as the after-effects of strokes and heart attacks and incapacity due to illness or injury. However, simply sitting down for long periods during the day without movement breaks can also lead to loss of core muscle strength and cause stiffness and balance problems too!
Do you have a history of falls, lack confidence in moving around and getting up and down or find it difficult to get around without walking aids?
Do you want to maintain or improve your ability to move and balance unaided?
If so, come along to one of our regular weekly classes:
MONDAYS
1-2pm and 2.30-3.30pm
at Corse and Staunton Village Hall, Corse, Gloucester GL19 3RQ
The earlier class is at beginner level. For the majority of the class, participants will be seated but after a thorough seated warm-up, a short section of the class will include standing balance exercises. During this period, seated exercises offer an alternative opportunity to build strength and flexibility for those not yet ready to stand.
The second class is for participants from intermediate up to advanced level. Participants are potentially capable of standing for at least half of the class (although this is always decided at the individual's discretion; the option to sit is always available) and the class will include standing and moving balance exercises.
Classes cost £3.50 each and can be booked in sets of 5 (£17.50) or 10 (£35), preferably by telephone with a payment card (debit or credit). A register of attendance at each class is kept. Although regular weekly attendance is encouraged, if you miss a class, submissions will be carried across until they are used up and you will be reminded when it is time to renew. Please contact Jo-Anne in the first instance to discuss personal health situation and to undergo a pre-exercise health assessment to determine which class is most suitable for individual circumstances.
TUESDAYS
2.30-3.30pm
at St Mary's Parish Centre, Charlton Kings
This is a drop-in class open to all levels of ability. Dynamic standing balance exercises including modified t'ai chi (with seated alternatives), and use of resistance bands, ankle weights and sponge balls to build strength. No music.
As with the Jenner Court class, a monthly subscription of £25 is payable per person
(or £30 if attendees wish to additionally join my online class on Thursdays 2.30-3.30pm - please see details below). Again, no refunds/carry overs are available if participants are subsequently unable to attend one or more classes that month once booked.
There is a maximum of 12 attendees at this class to maintain safe social distancing.
THURSDAYS
12-1pm
in the Multi-Activity Area, Leisure@Cheltenham,
Tommy Taylor's Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN
Cost: £3.80 per class (council-subsidised rate)
This is a drop-in class for beginners. Exercises to improve balance, flexibility, strength and co-ordination form the main part of the class, along with elements of t'ai chi for dynamic balance and relaxation. Hand and ankle weights also optionally available for additional strength-building challenges. No music.
Contact the leisure centre on 01242 528764 or go to their website for details and to check holiday opening dates and times.
THURSDAYS
2.30-3.30pm
ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Cost: £13/£30 per month depending on package
This class is offered both on a standalone basis at £13 per month per attendee and as part of a discounted package if additionally attending the Tuesday afternoon class at St Mary's Parish Centre, Charlton Kings (see above)
This class allows attendees to participate from the comfort of one's own home - no buses or lifts to wait for, no petrol costs and no adverse weather or difficult commute involved! And crucially allows participants to remain safe from potential viral transmission, which may be an important safety factor not just for participants but also in consideration of any vulnerable person sharing the same household.
A Pre-Exercise Health Assessment is essential before joining this class.
Participants will be sent joining instructions once it is ascertained whether the class is suitable for individual circumstances.
Please contact Jo-Anne to discuss.
FRIDAYS
10-11am
at Jenner Court lounge, St George's Rd, Cheltenham GL50 3ER
This is a weekly class held at an introductory level, designed to suit those unused to exercise and/or those wanting to increase confidence in the ability to get up from a chair unaided and to stand for short periods.
As this class is held in a gated residential complex, with secured access arrangements, you will need to discuss joining options in advance as drop-in attendance is not possible.
These classes are bookable on a month-by-month basis at a cost which is calculated based on numbers of attendees for that month and can therefore vary from a minimum of £25 up to £33 per attendee per month. Once booked, refunds/carry overs are not available in the event of being unable to attend one or more classes of that month.
Regular class attender Joyce says:
"I have a history of falls and it was affecting my confidence quite badly. I was referred to Jo's classes by the hospital physiotherapist and have been coming ever since. It's been so good for me. The exercises are enjoyable as well as effective - I haven't needed my walking stick for a long time - and its such a sociable class that we often go for a coffee together afterwards! I wouldn't miss it for anything".
Contact Jo-Anne to discuss your health situation and balance goals in more detail before attending any of these classes.
You can self-refer or be referred to any of these classes by your GP. In the event of having had a fall already, you might also be referred to these classes by a hospital- or falls clinic-based physiotherapist.
If your balance problems are caused by unexplained vertigo, dizziness or vestibular dysfunction, please consult your GP in the first instance. You may also want to contact the Meniere's Society for further advice and support.
You can self-refer or be referred to any of these classes by your GP. In the event of having had a fall already, you might also be referred to these classes by a hospital- or falls clinic-based physiotherapist.
If your balance problems are caused by unexplained vertigo, dizziness or vestibular dysfunction, please consult your GP in the first instance. You may also want to contact the Meniere's Society for further advice and support.