Seniors in Gainesville

The First Step to Active Health for Seniors

Description

The First Step to Active Health® provides an evidence-based, progressive activity program for seniors and contains everything you need to get started with a physical activity program in an easy-to-read format. The program manual contains a simple self-assessment and tools to help individuals determine their goals and develop customized exercise programs. Individuals can simply check off functional tasks they have difficulty with and create specific goals in the manual. The program manual also contains hints on keeping motivated to exercise, as well as safety reminders. The First Step Activity log is used by the individual to keep track of the amount of time spent in each activity group. An individually packaged, 5 foot length of Thera-Band red resistive bands is included in each kit. *Caution: Persons with latex allergies should use Latex-Free Thera-Band resistive bands. Each Step has an easy-to-read, fold up activity guide that explains why, what, and when, where to start, and how to progress. The Cardio Activities section recommends both weight-bearing and non weight-bearing activities that are enjoyable. A Perceived Exertion Chart is included in the section to help individuals exercise at the appropriate level. The Flexibility Activities include simple stretches that target the muscles that are prone to tightness in older adults. The Strength Activities include exercises that use the elastic band included in the First Step kit, and help to improve functional activities of daily living. The Balance Activities exercises include a chair nearby for safety. Exercise progress from simple dynamic activities to using unstable foam surfaces and resistive exercises using elastic bands.

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-03-15
Summary: "Helpful exercise gadget"

I am having fun with the TheraBand, which I can employ while I watch the news. The cards describe some exercises that I am already familiar with but which will be helpful to many purchasers. And it does not weigh a great deal, nor take up much space.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2008-05-27
Summary: "Great!"

I bought this for my 91-year-old mother. She hates being toddery and lurchy when she walks. The diagrams are very simple for her to follow and it covers the balance and flexibility issues (among others) that have been bothering her. Most of the exercises are done sitting down using the Theraband. She's enjoying the program very much. Highly recommended for seniors who need to keep those muscles working in a very low impact way.