‘Huff and puff’ sessions bring strength and balance
Once the Abba music starts at full volume, the strength and balance sessions at Arvida Peninsula Club community begin!
The weekly 45 minute exercise classes aren’t just about building strength and balance; they also include music, laughter, and community spirit.
As an Arvida Peninsula Club resident for seven years, Kay Thumath hadn’t been active for years and initially felt stiff and sore on a daily basis. She’s since found relief through the sit-to-stand exercises during the weekly sessions. "It really has made a difference to my life and I find it much easier when I get up from the chair at home," she says.
"People hear the name strength and balance class and they think it’s all serious, but in fact, we’re about fun so I like to call the sessions 'huff and puff'. Look, it’s easy, you don’t have to be the best exerciser in the world. Residents here come along, have fun, and do their best."
Dianne Saxon has been a resident of the Stanmore Bay retirement community for eight years and started the classes just six weeks ago. "I always feel like I’ve done a good workout by the time I’ve finished and I’ve had a good laugh as well," says Dianne, highlighting the blend of fitness and fun.
The classes include a variety of exercises at different stations, using bands, kettlebells, and hand weights.
Kelly McCormack from The Kelly Fit leads the popular group exercise sessions with about 25 residents joining in each week. She also holds classes across the Arvida communities in Auckland that are specially designed for older people. "My workouts are for seated or standing. People may have an injury or ailment and we can tailor the exercise to their needs," Kelly explains.
Kelly says she has many resident success stories as a result of the classes. “A resident at Arvida Mayfair in Northcross had trouble managing the stairs on shopping trips. Now after we worked on stairs exercises, not only is she able to go shopping with everyone else, but she also has the balance and confidence to go on solo walks too," Kelly proudly shares.
Whether residents are seasoned exercisers or beginners, the classes offer a welcoming space to stay active and have fun.
