Lifecare Croydon Sports Medicine created its over 60s exercise classes to serve part of the community that often gets neglected.
Since 2011, they’ve built a community, delivered amazing benefits for people, and made real change in their lives.
Jade Brodie, one of the Lifecare Physiotherapists, explains the approach: “The classes are targeted for people aged of 60 and above. We have people that are all the way up to their mid-90s. Regular exercise is important throughout the lifespan but particularly with this population to maintain muscle mass, bone density and balance. We use a mixture of Pilates equipment, like reformers and trapeze tables alongside weights and equipment for strength training. There is often a focus on balance.”
Kathy, who’s been coming to Lifecare for 15 years and just recently joined the over 60s classes, understands the importance of the balance of both physical and social health.
“They’re a huge support team to me and my body. All the different therapists have always been super friendly. It’s certainly motivational to come and meet all the other people. The friends and connections I’ve made have been amazing. It’s been absolutely essential to my wellbeing and fitness.”
Rhonda, a 12-year attendee of Croydon’s classes, tells a similar story: “It’s helped me to understand my body better, be able to move better and have better balance. And balance being a critical factor as you get older.
“It’s very welcoming coming here. The physios are very supportive, and they listen. The over 60s classes are a lot of fun because people are really friendly, and you chat and have a giggle at the same time.”
For Jade, it’s about understanding what each person’s goals are.
“We have very individualised programs. The physiotherapist will be making sure that they’re supervised, but also they might be able to adapt or change things depending on how that person’s feeling on the day or what their new goals might be as well.”
But she also realises these classes provide much more than physical benefits.
“We’ve created this great sense of community. We have participants who have made friends in the class who now catch up outside of the class environment. And it seems to be a really supportive environment for people which is really lovely to see.”