fitSpace Partners

Otago Leg Strength

Have you ever noticed your balance isn't what it used to be?

I teach a range of chair-based exercises for older adults. My Otago class is unique in that it teaches you a programme that you can continue in your own home after 12 weeks, once you feel you have got the hang of it! I have a range of ages and abilities in this class, but all with a common goal, to improve their balance.

If you are feeling unsteady on your feet, losing your balance, tripping up more often, feel at risk of falling out and about or in your own home, then read on:

The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) was developed and tested by the New Zealand Falls Prevention Research Group in New Zealand to reduce falls in older persons.

Here are some interesting results from the research into Otago exercises:   

• Falls among people participating in the Otago were reduced by 30% to 66% when compared to controls who were not doing Otago exercises.
• After one year, injuries due to falls were reduced by 28% in participants performing Otago exercises.
• The Otago exercise program was most effective at reducing falls for people over the age of 80 years, but people who were younger still found some benefit.
• Seventy percent of patients performing Otago exercises continued doing the program after one year.

My class is on Wednesdays at 2pm. If you wish to book a taster, please email me jowulf@wolftracks.co.uk or call 07966981985