Getting Fit @ Home

Last week I covered two exercise classes at the BC Brain Wellness Exercise Program. The regular instructors were away. There were 42 people in the Functional Strength Class and 17 in the Strength and Balance one. It was super fun. I loved seeing all participants, show up one by one, committed to fit, from the comfort of their home. The classes were on zoom. I instructed from a room at the Center for Brain Health at UBC. It was the first class for one man and only the second or third class for some other attendees. Most people however, had been attending for well over a year, if not longer. The program launched in October 2019 and just had its’ third year anniversary. I had lots of room to move in the office I was instructing from. The difference between these classes and coaching at Empower is that I needed to move throughout the entire hour. In this scenerio, you demo the movement then keep at it while showing modifications and calling out times and encouragements. For both classes I followed an interval training style, i.e., participants marched for an minute and so did I. There were volunteers (students) in the classes, also by zoom, watching the participants and making sure they are safe, so you can concentrate on keeping people moving and stopping to check-ins as is best. There are safety protocols should someone fall or need help. It was a comfort to have their back-up. A neat experiece. Covering two more classes this month. It will be good to do it again, as I know what to expect now, and can refine my delivery more. I am thrilled this resource is available. The truth is that for many caregivers and people with health challenges getting to a fitness class can become a real insurmountable task and this resource brings it to these groups in a remote fashion, as safely as possible. They can do it! Check out the program here !