Indicators of a healthy long life? News reports:
Recent press reports indicated that if you were able to balance on one foot for 10 seconds you were likely to be healthier and have a longer active life.
Measuring balance ability highlights an important range of skills, which include leg strength, agility and balance which are all key to our functioning (thats why balance is included in our classes).
However its worth highlighting:
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The measure was an 'indicator' which 'on average' showed a correlation with good health, this is very useful - however it doesn't mean that if you can stand on one leg for a long time you are guaranteed to live longer.... (although it makes it more likely)
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The measure is not an absolute, so the 10 second level will vary with age and other factors. Obviously the older you are the more difficult this may be.
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There is a range of research which has demonstrated the same conclusions, including research which are covered in this video link below which relates to the sit rise test.
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t. CLICKHERE
So if you don't feel you are good balancing (or even if you feel you are) the key message is to keep active as well as you can. You may not achieve that 10 seconds but you are more likely to be able to!
If you are over 60, the Functional Fitness MOT test (which you can undertake at home), provides benchmark data for balancing as well as 7 other key tests which are all shown to be useful indicators forgood functional health - See Functional Fitness Test page or request a copy..
Here's the link to the research:
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2022/06/22/bjsports-2021-105360
New 'Chair Based' Class in Northfield / Falls Prevention
A new fitness class aimed at giving help to improve balance and stability is taking place every Tuesday. The class is more 'chair based' but aims to help you to improve stability, mobility and balance.
Incorporated in the class is an option to take part in the ‘FaME’ (Falls Management Exercise) programme which requires you to undertake some exercises at home, however this has been shown to bring about good improvements.
The class will be taking place every Tuesday at 11am at Allens Cross Community Centre, Tinkers Farm Road, Northfield B31.
Please contact us for more details.
February 2022
Moving Lives...Healthy Minds - class for mental health service users
We are now running a weekly functional fitness and movement class for mental health service users / people who have previous suffered mental illness. This class was established through the Joint Sport Birmingham / BSMHFT NHS project in 2021.
If you are interested please contact us for more details
February 2022:
Report highlights that Physical Activity benefits outweigh risks for people with long-term health conconditions:
A 'consensus statement' has been produced by health experts based on recent research which highlights that physical activity is safe for people living with symptoms of multiple conditions. The emphasis is that activity benefits outweigh risks for most people (although it is important to highlight that this should be reviewed on an individual basis.
See British Medical Journal of Sports Medicine here
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/12/01/bjsports-2021-104281
Free Guide to improve your balance:
We have issued our first 'Free Guide' on how to improve your balance.
Our Wednesday class in Stirchley is now back indoors:
From the 1st September the Wednesday class will be held back in the Ascension Church Hall, Pineapple Grove B30 2TJ.
The class takes place every Wednesday at 11am.
August 2021:
New class in Rubery:
A new Functional Fitness Class for seniors is to be held in Rubery, every Thursday at 11.30am in Deelands Road Community Hall B45 9RR. First class is on 19th August, then starting weekly from 9th September
