GLA:D Canada
We regret to inform you that we are NO LONGER OFFERING the GLA:D program. We apologize to all of the people who remained on the waitlist and those who are still inquiring about the program. It was our pleasure to be able to offer this program and help people in our area relieve some of the barrier osteoarthritis may have caused.
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Nutrition and Physical Activity surveyAre you interested in exercise and nutrition? Heather Keller, Schlegel Research Chair in Nutrition and Aging, and Laura Middleton, RIA Research Scientist, are conducting a food, nutrition, and physical activity survey to design wellness programs for older adults with memory changes and their family/friend care partners.
If you are a community-dwelling older adult with memory changes, or a care partner, you are eligible to participate. Complete the short survey online at www.bit.ly/nutritionexercisesurvey. |
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Lyn's Success Story:I am a senior age 80 and I enjoy the exercise classes (SMART Program) at Central Pentecostal Church located just outside of Elora Ontario. I sometimes come into class feeling tired and lethargic but, by the end of the class I am invigorated and interested in whatever project I am involved with at the time.
What is really great is that the exercises I do in the SMART Program compliment the chair yoga exercise program that I particpate in at “Yoga in Fergus” once a week. If it were not for these two programs I would not have my body moving execpt for from the refrigerator to my easy chair, to my computer chair and back. In the SMART Program we are ecouraged to do as much as we are able and at our own rate. We also have the option to do the exercises in a seated position, and sometimes that is just the right thing to do. It is important for me not to feel pressured to go beyond my capabilities. My fitness has improved since I started the SMART Exercise Program, exercises that seemed imposible at the start now seem easy. I am gratefuly to VON for this program and am hopefull that more seniors will take advantage of this helpful and meaningful movement practice for a longer healthier life. |
Input from our Staff
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When I started this position as a Smart Exercise Facilitator, they had mentioned the rewarding feeling of watching our clients improve as a result of our program. I had never really experienced this overwhelming sense of gratification until I taught my class last week. I was asked by one of the participants if I had noticed any benefits from leading the exercises over the summer. I had expressed that my flexibility has certainly improved. I thought that I would open the same question up to my clients during the next class. As per usual no one had really given me a response, so I shared my improvements with all of them. Once I wrapped up the class, multiple people came up to me to tell me how they have benefited from coming to the SMART exercises.
They had all expressed that our classes have improved their strength and mobility which had made it easier for them to complete tasks in their daily lives. The participants also discussed the social relationships that they have built from attending the classes. One lady said that she can tell the difference between attending twice a week and once a week. Another individual commented that coming out to classes has not only improved her strength and flexibility but it gives her the motivation to remain active throughout the day as well. Even though no one had spoken up during the class it was so rewarding to see the expressions of enthusiasm and self gratitude on their faces as they discussed how the classes have helped them. This is one of the reasons why I am so happy to be apart of the program not only has an instructor but as someone who has experienced the benefits of exercise myself. I can only be hopeful that more and more people are able to take part in the SMART program and start seeing benefits for themselves as well. SMART Exercise Facilitator Kyra Ash |
Three Generations all Exercising Together in the SMART program: Advocates of Health and Wellbeing From One Generation to the Next
It is inspirational when one sees the amazing character passed on from one generation to the next! Parents can be the biggest influence in determining the ideas and attitudes of their children. Brenda Chantler, Laurel Berry and Kirsten Berry are perfect examples of this. Brenda joined the program when it was first offered in 2013 and has been a regular participant and a strong advocate of the program. Her realization that this program keeps people fit, active and independent has motivated her friends and neighbours to join the fun. Brenda also recruited her daughter Laurel Berry a Certified Holistic Nutritionist that she apply for the position of a SMART Gentle Exercise facilitator and the program has been more than appreciate of Laurel’s outstanding presence as her class is one of the most popular and best attended. In fact, so well attended that due to the demand we were able to expand these classes to 4 days week.
Laurel has recently recruited her daughter for a summer position as a Gentle Exercise Facilitator and Kristen received a round of applause while completing her practical evaluation with clients requesting that she instructor her class again.
“Actions speak louder than words!” The VON SMART program is very blessed to have such supportive and strong advocates to promote Health and Fitness to our community!
It is inspirational when one sees the amazing character passed on from one generation to the next! Parents can be the biggest influence in determining the ideas and attitudes of their children. Brenda Chantler, Laurel Berry and Kirsten Berry are perfect examples of this. Brenda joined the program when it was first offered in 2013 and has been a regular participant and a strong advocate of the program. Her realization that this program keeps people fit, active and independent has motivated her friends and neighbours to join the fun. Brenda also recruited her daughter Laurel Berry a Certified Holistic Nutritionist that she apply for the position of a SMART Gentle Exercise facilitator and the program has been more than appreciate of Laurel’s outstanding presence as her class is one of the most popular and best attended. In fact, so well attended that due to the demand we were able to expand these classes to 4 days week.
Laurel has recently recruited her daughter for a summer position as a Gentle Exercise Facilitator and Kristen received a round of applause while completing her practical evaluation with clients requesting that she instructor her class again.
“Actions speak louder than words!” The VON SMART program is very blessed to have such supportive and strong advocates to promote Health and Fitness to our community!
