Activate your health with our fall prevention programming
The following programs are all part of the Fall Prevention lineup that we hope you take advantage of:
- SMARTfit: dual tasking; think while you move; very interactive; 2 times a week for 6 weeks ($25 for the series)
- BALANCEfit: dual tasking; balance machine; 2 times a week for 8 weeks (no charge)
- POWERfit: wall-mounted cable strength exercises following BALANCEfit completion (donations appreciated)
- Beginners Walking Group: Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. (minors must be accompanied by guardian) (no charge)
- Bingocize: Bingo and exercise; 10-week series (no charge)
- Matter of Balance: 8-week learning series (no charge)
- Tai Chi for Arthritis: 10-week exercise series (no charge)
SMARTfit is physical and cognitive training disguised as fun games that make you think while you move. It is designed to deliver preventative and rehabilitative solutions to cognitive functions as well as motor functions. Its unique approach to improving physical, cognitive and mental health is engaging, exciting and very interactive (lots of cheering from the staff!).
SMARTfit is designed for a variety of populations and abilities and immerses participants in playing “easy to learn” exercise games that are very engaging, challenging and motivating.
SMARTfit is our newest dual-task (think while moving) exercise machine that provides brain and body training, measuring cognitive-motor abilities. The program is geared toward improving balance and reducing the risk of falls. Participants complete a baseline (starting point) assessment, and receive an individualized program with recommended training games.
At the end of the six-week series, they receive another assessment to compare their improvement from when they started, such as their speed, their scores, and their correct answers/choices.
“This program is so much fun and before you know it you have improved your balance and strength, and have reduced your risk of falling," said Elsa Sierra, Fall Prevention coordinator.
SMARTfit is recommended two times a week for six weeks; 30 minutes each time. Cost is $25 for the series.
BALANCEfit made its debut as the “Senso balance machine”, and has been part of Fall Prevention programming since 2021. This program also focuses on reducing fall risks and improving cognition while progressing participants through a series of games that get more complex and challenging as you move through the levels.
A wide variety of games focus on cognitive and physical skills, some of which may be second nature, and some of which might be more challenging, especially for those with a cognitive impairment. Games are easy to learn and follow, while enhancing motor-skill learning and having fun!
The device tracks your performance and makes the games more challenging as you get better at them. An assessment evaluates physical and cognitive function, including reaction time, ability to take in information (brain), ability to process, and ability to then do the requested activity.
BALANCEfit is recommended twice a week for eight weeks, 30 minutes at a time, and there is no charge.
POWERfit is available to those who have completed at least one BALANCEfit series. POWERfit combines additional rounds of BALANCEfit games with the use of resistance bands to help strengthen the upper body, and build on the success of the previous BALANCEfit work.
POWERfit is designed as a more independent workout, which is why it requires a previously completed BALANCEfit series.
POWERfit is recommended twice a week for at least four weeks, and can be ongoing. Donations are greatly appreciated to support the free programs.
In addition to the “Fit” programs, the District offers a variety of other fall prevention program options including a Beginners Walking Group, Bingocize, Matter of Balance, and Tai Chi for Arthritis.
Play dual-tasking games with numbers, letters, shapes, and emoticons all while improving your balance, coordination, and reducing your risk for falls.
TIPS TO REDUCE FALLS
- Remove throw rugs and clutter from the home
- Add grab bars to bathrooms
- Do balance and strength training exercises (this is where our Fit activities can help!)
- Have your vision checked
Adding a dual-tasking fall reduction and cognitive training program, such as our trio of Fit activities, can improve BOTH physical and cognitive function and address the risk factor of dual-task attention impairments.
REASONS FOR FALLS
- Sensory impairments (poor vision, ear issues that cause imbalance)
- Motor impairment (decreased muscle strength, limited joint ROM, uneven weight bearing)
- Cognitive impairments (Slower processing capabilities, impaired attention, breakdown in executive functioning, which are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks.)
To register for any of these classes or join an interest list, call 805-388-1952. To speak with Fall Prevention Coordinator Elsa Sierra, call 805-388-1952, ext. 113.
