Richard Froese
Spotlight
A free eight-week program to help adults maintain physical fitness has come to High Prairie under Alberta Health Services.
Already, about 15 people have filled up all the spaces for the first block of sessions for the Alberta Healthy Living Exercise Program at the Elks Hall.
“We want to offer an exercise program in High Prairie to meet the demands and needs of people here,” says Andrew Holosney, exercise therapist based in Slave Lake.
Participants from young to seniors started the initial block Jan. 18 for 90-minute sessions over the lunch hour on Mondays and Thursdays, and required to attend both sessions each week.
Another block is planned to start in April and days of the week could be changed to accommodate participants.
People can be referred by a healthcare provider or register themselves by phoning toll-free to 1-877-349-5711.
“The program is designed for anyone over 18 years of age who wants to get more physical exercise, has a chronic condition or at risk of developing a chronic issue,” Holosney says.
“Participants in previous programs report having more energy, improved overall health and feel stronger.”
Over the time of a session, participants progress through a circuit of 17 exercise and cardiovascular stations with guidance from exercise staff, which utilizes information from the person’s medical and health assessment at the start of the program.
That involves cardiovascular exercise, muscular strengthening, endurance, flexibility and balance exercises.
The program boasts 35 major benefits of physical exercise, with 20 for physical benefits, eight for disease prevention, and seven for mental and emotional health.
“Benefit from a free exercise program made just for you,” says the poster.
“Have fun and build confidence, learn to make small changes for a healthy life.
“The first step to prevent and manage chronic conditions is you.”
Valuable information will assist participants with several issues for each week.
1.Introduction and orientation.
2.Assessing your baseline and increasing intensity.
3.Successful change and benefits of exercise.
4.Setting goals and writing personal action plans.
5.Review of action plans and overcoming barriers.
6.Finding your motivation.
7.The rose of exercise in weight management.
8.Wrap-up, certificates and home program.