Ireland's Only Specialist Older Adult Healthcare Company
Exercise & Physical Activity Classes
Active Life & Stand Strong Group Classes
Fit For Life have been delivering researched based physical activity and exercise classes since 2001. Group classes have been researched and are highly recommended as an ideal form of physical activity, especially for the older adult.
Our knowledge and experience has led to the development of successful exercise interventions for all older adults regardless of age, medical conditions or their level of activity and physical ability. We know how to deliver fun, safe and effective group exercise classes for older adults which consist of strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular components.
In order to ensure that we cater for all levels of abilities and preferences, we have developed two different class types - Active Life and Stand Strong - to encourage maximum participation for everyone.
Active Life
Active Life classes are generally less intense or gentler in nature and would be best described as 'Physical Activity' classes with a variety of different forms of movement, stretching and posture checks with a variety of basic safe core exercises varying on a weekly basis. These classes are perfect for people who have never been very active or have recently been debilitated and are looking to become more active and gain all the associated health benefits.
The most important thing to remember is that any additional physical activity or movement that you bring into your life, no matter how small, will have a positive effect on your health!
A Fit For Life 'Active Life' Class will be:
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Researched, designed and developed from our experience of working with older adults
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Able to cater for specific populations and pathologies but also for participants of different levels of ability
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Fun, social, varied and easily tailored to all needs
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Delivered by a member of the FFL team or by a certified Fit For Life trainer
Types of Fit For Life 'Active Life' Classes
*We are delighted that socially distanced in-person classes have resumed so online classes are not currently running!*
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PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapy involves evaluating, diagnosing and treating a range of injuries, disorders and disabilities in order to optimize the person’s mobility and functional capacity. Our chartered physiotherapists are graduate level healthcare practitioners specializing in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiac conditions. They provide a broad range of assessment and therapy services specifically developed for the older adult population. Physiotherapy Services Include: ½ Day Inhouse Physiotherapy Services for Nursing Homes: ½ day weekly (3-4hrs). Extended Inhouse Physiotherapy Service for Nursing Homes: e.g. 2 ½ days p/week. Private Inhouse Physiotherapy sessions: Individual residents can book private appointments with our physiotherapists weekly. Falls Risk Assessments. *All of these services are carried out by Chartered Physiotherapists, members of the I.S.C.P.
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Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapy is designed to promote health, prevent injury or disability and develops, improves or sustains an individual’s level of independence. The most common referrals for our OT services include: Seating and pressure relief. Positioning and the prevention of contractures. Assisting activities of daily living (ADL’s) e.g. showering, eating, correct use of aids. Recommendations for environmental changes to assist ADL’s. Occupational Therapy Services Include: ½ Day inhouse Occupational Therapy Services for Nursing Homes: ½ day weekly (3-4hrs). Extended inhouse Occupational Therapy Services for Nursing Homes: e.g. 2 ½ days p/week. Private Inhouse Occupational Therapy sessions: Individual residents can book private appointments with our occupational therapists weekly. Falls Risk Assessments. *All of these services are carried out by Occupational Therapists, members of the A.O.T.I. (Assoc. of Occupational Therapists of Ireland).
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Fit For Life - Group Exercise Therapy – Fitness Classes for Older AdultsFit For Life have been delivering researched based group exercise therapy since 2001. Group exercise has been extensively researched and is highly recommended as an ideal form of physical activity especially for the older adult. Fit For Life’s experience and expertise has led to the development of successful exercise intervention for older adults at all levels of physical ability. We deliver progressive, innovative and fun group exercise classes for older adults ensuring that benefits are gained by all who participate in our programmes. The benefits of physical activity include staying independent if possible. We all know the importance of independence and we work with people as this becomes more challenging. We ensure that individuals achieve their own potential, providing support with personal goals, and best practice interventions to achieve these goals. A Fit For Life group exercise class will be: Researched, designed and developed from years of experience and expertise. Measured – individual assessments are made prior, during and post 12 weeks block of classes to measure progress. Able to cater for specific populations and medical conditions and for participants of different levels of ability or fitness. Fun, social, innovative and easily tailored to all participants. Delivered by a certified Fit For Life trainer. Group Exercise Therapy Services Include: Groups adapted to all levels of capabilities: Nursing Home/Day-care Populations Stand Strong Balance and Falls prevention classes: Community & Fit for Life Clinic Physical and Cognitive Classes; Suitable for Alzheimer’s and related dementia. To find out more click here or call 01-2137915 to speak to one of our senior management team about your bespoke requirements.
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Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia – Group and Individual Exercise TherapyWe have developed programmes that are suitable for varying levels of cognitive impairment. Our aims and goals improve physical function, reducing the risk of falls and improving mood and levels of agitation. We introduce equipment with our programmes that have very positive results with this population, creating socially engaging environments and positive stimulation. We introduce programmes that combine endurance exercise, functional exercise and social games. What is important is that our therapists know the clients and provide meaningful activities that ensure a person-centered intervention. Thus, providing a specific session to the client’s needs and abilities. Using this approach and having flexible programmes that can be adapted when required our therapists have the experience and know how to consistently deliver effective and engaging programmes. Please click here or call us on 01-2137915 to speak to one of our senior managers.
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Allied TherapiesPhysical Therapy Physical Therapy is a healthcare profession which involves the treatment or management of pain, disability and impaired movement by means of massage, myofascial techniques, joints mobilizations and exercise therapy. Our Physical Therapists are graduate level healthcare practitioners, who work to restore full normal movement and to reduce or eliminate pain resulting from injury, infirmity and from medical conditions. *All of these services are carried out by Physical Therapists, members of the IAPT (Irish Assoc. of Physical Therapists). Athletic Therapy A Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT) is a graduate level (BSc, level 8 NFQ) healthcare practitioner specializing in musculoskeletal management, exercise-based rehabilitation and fitness. This therapist specializes in evidence-based assessment, treatment and advanced rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Your Certified Athletic Therapist will complete a comprehensive assessment of your presenting condition and contributing factors. This may include physical tests for range of motion, strength and specific special tests of the involved body parts as appropriate. Your CAT will then develop, implement, review and progress a treatment and rehabilitation plan with you. Your treatment plan may include manual therapies such as massage, myofascial/soft tissue release techniques, trigger point dry needling, joint mobilizations and/or electro or thermotherapies or taping techniques. And it will almost definitely include a home rehabilitation and exercise program which may focus on developing strength, range of motion, improving your balance and decreasing your falls risk! *All of these services are carried out by Certified Athletic Therapists, members of A.R.T.I. (Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland) and BASRAT (British Assoc. of Sports Rehabilitators & Trainers).
Stand Strong
Stand Strong classes are more advanced exercise classes that involve physical ability assessments at the start, during and after 12-weeks blocks of classes. These assessments will assist our team to ensure that you are getting the maximum health benefits from the programme.
The areas that we assess include strength, endurance, flexibility and balance and a full falls risk screening (if requested) and we target all of these areas during the course of a 12-week training programme.
These classes are ideal for Older adults who wish to get the maximum health benefits from carrying out exercise to improve your overall physical fitness, whether that requires you be to become stronger, walk further or reduce your risk of injury.
A Fit For Life 'Stand Strong' Class will be:
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Researched, designed and developed from our experience of working with older adults
-
Progressive and challenging in nature, ensuring that participants will benefit continuously
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Assessed and restructured after every 12-week programme cycle
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Able to cater for specific populations and pathologies and also for participants of different levels of ability
-
Fun, varied, social and easily tailored to all needs
-
Informative; with weekly educational Health Topics for Older Adults
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Regularly monitored; before, during and after the 12-week block to measure progress
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Can only be delivered by a member of the FFL team or by a certified Fit For Life trainer
Types of Fit For Life 'Stand Strong' Classes
*We are delighted that socially distanced in-person classes have resumed so online classes are not currently running!*
-
PhysiotherapyPhysiotherapy involves evaluating, diagnosing and treating a range of injuries, disorders and disabilities in order to optimize the person’s mobility and functional capacity. Our chartered physiotherapists are graduate level healthcare practitioners specializing in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, respiratory and cardiac conditions. They provide a broad range of assessment and therapy services specifically developed for the older adult population. Physiotherapy Services Include: ½ Day Inhouse Physiotherapy Services for Nursing Homes: ½ day weekly (3-4hrs). Extended Inhouse Physiotherapy Service for Nursing Homes: e.g. 2 ½ days p/week. Private Inhouse Physiotherapy sessions: Individual residents can book private appointments with our physiotherapists weekly. Falls Risk Assessments. *All of these services are carried out by Chartered Physiotherapists, members of the I.S.C.P.
-
Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapy is designed to promote health, prevent injury or disability and develops, improves or sustains an individual’s level of independence. The most common referrals for our OT services include: Seating and pressure relief. Positioning and the prevention of contractures. Assisting activities of daily living (ADL’s) e.g. showering, eating, correct use of aids. Recommendations for environmental changes to assist ADL’s. Occupational Therapy Services Include: ½ Day inhouse Occupational Therapy Services for Nursing Homes: ½ day weekly (3-4hrs). Extended inhouse Occupational Therapy Services for Nursing Homes: e.g. 2 ½ days p/week. Private Inhouse Occupational Therapy sessions: Individual residents can book private appointments with our occupational therapists weekly. Falls Risk Assessments. *All of these services are carried out by Occupational Therapists, members of the A.O.T.I. (Assoc. of Occupational Therapists of Ireland).
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Fit For Life - Group Exercise Therapy – Fitness Classes for Older AdultsFit For Life have been delivering researched based group exercise therapy since 2001. Group exercise has been extensively researched and is highly recommended as an ideal form of physical activity especially for the older adult. Fit For Life’s experience and expertise has led to the development of successful exercise intervention for older adults at all levels of physical ability. We deliver progressive, innovative and fun group exercise classes for older adults ensuring that benefits are gained by all who participate in our programmes. The benefits of physical activity include staying independent if possible. We all know the importance of independence and we work with people as this becomes more challenging. We ensure that individuals achieve their own potential, providing support with personal goals, and best practice interventions to achieve these goals. A Fit For Life group exercise class will be: Researched, designed and developed from years of experience and expertise. Measured – individual assessments are made prior, during and post 12 weeks block of classes to measure progress. Able to cater for specific populations and medical conditions and for participants of different levels of ability or fitness. Fun, social, innovative and easily tailored to all participants. Delivered by a certified Fit For Life trainer. Group Exercise Therapy Services Include: Groups adapted to all levels of capabilities: Nursing Home/Day-care Populations Stand Strong Balance and Falls prevention classes: Community & Fit for Life Clinic Physical and Cognitive Classes; Suitable for Alzheimer’s and related dementia. To find out more click here or call 01-2137915 to speak to one of our senior management team about your bespoke requirements.
-
Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia – Group and Individual Exercise TherapyWe have developed programmes that are suitable for varying levels of cognitive impairment. Our aims and goals improve physical function, reducing the risk of falls and improving mood and levels of agitation. We introduce equipment with our programmes that have very positive results with this population, creating socially engaging environments and positive stimulation. We introduce programmes that combine endurance exercise, functional exercise and social games. What is important is that our therapists know the clients and provide meaningful activities that ensure a person-centered intervention. Thus, providing a specific session to the client’s needs and abilities. Using this approach and having flexible programmes that can be adapted when required our therapists have the experience and know how to consistently deliver effective and engaging programmes. Please click here or call us on 01-2137915 to speak to one of our senior managers.
-
Allied TherapiesPhysical Therapy Physical Therapy is a healthcare profession which involves the treatment or management of pain, disability and impaired movement by means of massage, myofascial techniques, joints mobilizations and exercise therapy. Our Physical Therapists are graduate level healthcare practitioners, who work to restore full normal movement and to reduce or eliminate pain resulting from injury, infirmity and from medical conditions. *All of these services are carried out by Physical Therapists, members of the IAPT (Irish Assoc. of Physical Therapists). Athletic Therapy A Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT) is a graduate level (BSc, level 8 NFQ) healthcare practitioner specializing in musculoskeletal management, exercise-based rehabilitation and fitness. This therapist specializes in evidence-based assessment, treatment and advanced rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Your Certified Athletic Therapist will complete a comprehensive assessment of your presenting condition and contributing factors. This may include physical tests for range of motion, strength and specific special tests of the involved body parts as appropriate. Your CAT will then develop, implement, review and progress a treatment and rehabilitation plan with you. Your treatment plan may include manual therapies such as massage, myofascial/soft tissue release techniques, trigger point dry needling, joint mobilizations and/or electro or thermotherapies or taping techniques. And it will almost definitely include a home rehabilitation and exercise program which may focus on developing strength, range of motion, improving your balance and decreasing your falls risk! *All of these services are carried out by Certified Athletic Therapists, members of A.R.T.I. (Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland) and BASRAT (British Assoc. of Sports Rehabilitators & Trainers).
Feedback from participants in our 'live' classes:
'Great start to the day, I feel great satisfaction and empowered by it. I have never really had a fear of falling but I would consider my balance to be an area I need to work on. Since joining the Stand strong I have maintained my balance and become more confident with this'. Bridie
'Sit to stands; I can now complete more of these and I am happy with that. I like the structure and it's something positive I do for my health. It has added structure to my week since lockdown as I have been cocooning'. Kay
'Helps to keep me supple, I'm not stiff anymore. I have to watch my balance and the balance exercises are useful. The balance exercises are extremely beneficial to me and I always aim to impress Bridget my instructor in the classes as I feel it is improving all the time'. Brian
'Fitter than I was, not as tired as I used to be. I was very happy when the classes started back on zoom as I quickly got back to this fitness. Never had a fear of falling, very few falls, the last was 15 years ago. Other than that, as my husband has fallen more regularly it's something I'm cautious of. I know the tandem stepping and figure of 8 stepping exercises we do in class have helped me to keep my balance where it is today'. Deirdre
To find out more please call (01) 213 7915 or click below to speak to one of our senior management team.