Centre for Physical Activity in AgeingCentre for Physical Activity in AgeingCentre for Physical Activity in AgeingCentre for Physical Activity in AgeingRoyal Adelaide Hospital
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Preventive Health Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Information

Staying Fit and Healthy is the Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing's (CPAA) fitness and health program specifically designed for older persons.

Staying Fit and Healthy classes are arranged according to activity type (ie. water, general, circuit, stroke fitness, swim fitness and learn to swim) and pace or exertional level of the class (ie. slow, moderate and active).

Classes are intended to provide an opportunity for clients to:

  • Improve or maintain physical fitness;
  • Increase knowledge about exercise and activity;
  • Enhance social interaction.

All classes are ongoing throughout the year pausing only for the Christmas / New Year period. As such, clients may enter a program at any time of the year.

As classes are conducted at a variety of levels new clients are strongly encouraged to view a class prior to commencing so as to gauge whether the class will be suitable for them.

There are no specific age or geographical restrictions for entry into Staying Fit and Healthy programs. However, the program does specifically focus upon the needs of the older person.

Types Of Programs

General Exercise

General exercise or "community fitness" classes follow a standardised format encompassing warm-up, aerobic work and cool-down, and may consist of various callisthenic, stretching and strengthening exercises together with a progressive walking program or other similar aerobic activities. Certain general fitness classes may also be predominantly "chair based" depending upon client needs and abilities.

Starter Circuit

Starter circuit classes are intended to provide new clients (or existing clients unaccustomed to gymnasium programs) with basic information concerning the use of equipment utilised in "super circuit" classes. Attendance at starter circuit classes is intended to be short term (ie 3 to 5 weeks) and all clients are required to move onto "super circuit" classes when ready to make the necessary transition.

Super Circuit

Super circuit exercise classes follow a standardised format encompassing warm-up, aerobic work and cool-down, and may consist of various activities performed in a gymnasium utilising a range of strengthening machines (eg. hydraulic and pin-loaded training machines) and aerobic conditioning apparatus (eg. exercise bikes or treadmill). Callisthenic, stretching and strengthening exercises are also incorporated into sessions.

Exercise in Water

Exercise in water or "aqua" classes follow a standardised format encompassing warm-up, aerobic work and cool-down, and consist of a wide range of activities performed in a heated, indoor hydrotherapy pool.

Stroke Fitness

Stroke fitness classes are intended for clients recovering from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or related problem whom wish to continue with an exercise regimen. Stroke fitness classes are structured so as to permit clients to work in both individualised and group settings. The program aims to improve physical function and maintain previously made rehabilitation gains.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation (maintenance) classes are designed to meet the needs of clients who have been diagnosed with a coronary heart disease condition. Clients of our cardiac rehabilitation program would (in most cases) be at least 12 weeks post cardiac event and have appropriate medical clearance The program comprises a series of weekly exercise classes that may continue indefinitely.

Learn to Swim

Learn to swim classes are intended to provide basic water skills in small teaching groups conducted by specifically accredited swimming instructors. Individual programming is also available for clients with special needs.

Lap Swimming

Lap swimming sessions provide access to clients wishing to undertake lap swimming in an partially supervised session.

Pace of Class

Staying fit and Healthy classes are divided into 3 specific levels which reflect the pace or "exertional requirements" of the class.

An "active" class is typically suited to those clients wanting a moderate to vigorous pace exercise program.

A "moderate" class is an intermediate paced class for those progressing towards an active class, but still experiencing some physical restrictions or limitations.

A "slow pace" class is ideal for beginners or those specifically requesting a slow approach to exercise due to a continuing physical restriction or disability. Clients recovering from joint replacement surgery or cardiac problems are well suited to these classes.

Slow pace exercise in water classes do not engage in aerobic activities and are more directed towards mobility and flexibility activities. Such classes are intended for beginners or those clients requiring a slower or remedial approach to exercise. Whilst clients with disabilities are well accommodated in these sessions, one-on-one assistance cannot be assured.

Clients are generally encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program. However, in some cases we recognise this may not be advised and clients will therefore be encouraged to pursue alternate activities where appropriate. Adequate rest periods are built into all classes.

The time spent exercising in most classes is approximately 45-50 minutes.

What To Wear

Comfortable loose fitting clothing would be ideal for any of the "land based" programs (eg. T-shirt, track suit or shorts). Flat soled shoes or joggers are ideal. Bathers, leotards or even shorts are suitable for the "water based" classes.

Doctor's Clearance / Enrolment

All clients are required to obtain clearance from their Doctor if they have not recently participated in an exercise program.

Cost Of Classes

There is a charge for attendance at all classes and this varies depending upon the location and type of class and how you elect to pay for the class you attend (ie. casual or termcard).

Timetable And Fee Schedule

Timetables and fee schedules for all programs may be obtained by contacting the Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing.

Location Of Classes

Staying Fit and Healthy classes are conducted at facilities of the Centre for Physical Activity in Ageing, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, 207-255 Hampstead Road, Northfield or in various location within at the Port Adelaide region.

New Client Information

The duration of each exercise class (i.e. water, general and circuit) is approximately 45 minutes. Each class is allocated a 1 hour time slot to allow for marking of the roll, payments of fees, etc.

Clients are discouraged from attending exercise sessions if they feel unwell. If you are feeling unwell, the best advice is to rest and recover fully before attempting to recommence an exercise program.

The consumption of water is actively encouraged before, during and after all exercise sessions. Clients are encouraged to bring along their own water container.

Clients are encouraged to inform their instructor (or contact the CPAA) if they are intending to be absent for a prolonged period (ie. 2 weeks or more). By doing so, we can try our best to ensure that your place in the class is reserved, although this cannot be guaranteed during periods of prolonged absence.

Clients are encouraged to view exercise classes before commencing, in an endeavour to find a suitably paced class appropriate to their needs. However, continual movement from one class to another is not encouraged.

Fees

Payment for exercise classes is made directly to the Fitness Leader in charge of your session. Instructors usually have sufficient money to change notes. However it would be appreciated if the correct change were given.

The fee schedule is designed in such a way that the more often you attend the less you will pay. The cost of a class therefore decreases with a greater level of commitment. Importantly however, you elect the manner in which to pay for classes.

Termcards are an ideal manner in which to purchase classes. A Termcard is simply a small card that entitles the user to a nominated number of attendances at a particular class. Termcards are available from all instructors and discounts are available when purchasing higher value cards.

Termcards are fully refundable at any stage, do not have an expiry date and are fully transferable between classes (of the same value). Payment by cheque is also accepted. Cheques should be made payable to the CPAA. Termcards may be purchased by credit card (Mastercard, Bankcard and Visa) from the CPAA office.

Gymnasium Programs

Comfortable loose fitting clothing should be worn to circuit classes. A loose fitting T-shirt is ideal with comfortable "flat" soled footwear. Thick jumpers, windcheaters, etc. should not be left on during exercise sessions.

The first few sessions of a circuit program may be orientated towards familiarising you with the wide range of equipment. This is important when using gymnasium apparatus.

The first few weeks of a circuit program will probably not involve "step" work as it is important to become orientated to the equipment before attempting complex routines on steps.

Water Based Programs

It is requested that clients arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to commencement of their water class.

When arriving in the pool area clients are requested to remain as quiet as possible. The relaxation segment of another class is likely to be in progress and outside noise is most distracting.

All clients are required to shower before entering the hydrotherapy pool. Clients are requested not to enter the water before the preceding class has completed their exercise session and only when your instructor arrives.

Owing to the limited number of showers and change cubicles, clients are asked to be mindful of clients already in the process of showering and changing.

Whilst normal bathers are required in water classes, we do permit the wearing of shorts, T-shirts, etc. if clients are in the process of obtaining appropriate swim wear. A limited range of swim wear may be purchased directly from the CPAA. Ask your instructor for more information.

Footwear (socks, rubber shoes, etc.) may be worn in the pool to assist with the slippery nature of tiles.

The Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre pool complex has significant acoustic problems. As such, clients are reminded that talking will increase the difficulty of hearing instructions.

Car parking is available immediately outside the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre hydrotherapy complex for those with special permits. All other users are asked to use the Main car park. 'After hours' parking outside the pool complex is permitted by non permit holders.

Parking permits may be obtained by contacting the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre Pool Operator.

General Fitness and Walking Programs

Comfortable loose fitting clothing should be worn to general exercise classes. A loose fitting T-shirt is ideal with comfortable "flat" soled footwear preferably joggers or sand shoes.

As these classes involve walking outside, some form of protective head attire is strongly advised.

 



 
 
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