EverActive is helping Queenslanders over the age of 60 fight the physical challenges of aging with a tailored exercise program helping decrease the risk of falls.

Developed by Sporting Wheelies with expert Exercise Physiologists, the class helps combat age-related issues including decreased muscle size, strength, bone density, changes in vision and depth perception as well as slower cognitive processing and reaction times.

“As we get older and become fearful of the “dreaded fall” it can be so limiting for people, and they enter what’s called a ‘fear-avoidance cycle’,” says Sporting Wheelies Exercise Physiologist, Sophie Warner.

“When we’re scared of something we avoid doing it, and because we avoid doing it we become worse at it, and it’s a self-feeding thing. That’s why it’s so important that we target our older Aussies now so they can break from that cycle,” explains Sophie.

The weekly 45-minute classes are held in Milton and Goodna and feature a circuit of short exercises that participants work through.

“Some of the exercises build our leg strength, some of them build proprioception, so weight-shifting, and some of them do a bit of dual-tasking. So you might see some of our participants doing two things at once which is very important as we get older,” says Sophie.

The classes have been transformative for Goodna participant Tracey Klein.

“I had an illness last year. I gained an awful lot of weight from medication that I’ve been on. And when I saw this class for over 60s, designed to prevent falls and all about balance, I thought ‘That’s what I need’. I needed something gentle but something just to get started,” says Tracey.

“It’s motivated me to do more exercise. I’ve actually just started doing some gym work, which I probably haven’t done in 25, 30 years. It’s just got me going!”

The Sporting Wheelies’ program is based on extensive research that shows exercise can reduce the rate of falls by up to 39% when it challenges a person’s balance limits and is done at a high dosage.

“It’s not like other classes because we are qualified health professionals. We can really tailor that exercise prescription to the individual. We have a really wide range of chronic conditions that the person might have. So that can be a really comforting thing for them to know that it’s a team effort. We can carry them through the exercise until they become more independent,” explains Sophie Warner.

The classes are also designed to be social, helping motive participants to return every week.

“Why struggle in silence? You can come and struggle with me!” jokes Goonda participant Ann Godwin.

“I’ve been struggling with strength in my legs for over 10 years. After a month of coming to these classes, I just feel my body’s switched on and I’m getting a lot stronger. Like there’s been a change in season,” says Ann.

Michael Souwer says the fun and social atmosphere of the classes has helped him, and wishes more people knew about the program.

“You’re not there on your own. Everyone struggles a bit, so I think that side of it’s good,” says Michael.

“I had some back operations and I’ve got Parkinsons, so I needed to get into a program of some sort. So I thought I’d come along to this once I heard it was there. The older you get, you need that commitment and you need somebody to guide you through.”

The program has proven to be a success, with participants making noticeable improvements in their strength and mobility.

“The participants tell me that things are getting easier for them, or they’re becoming more confident with things at home. But I also get feedback in the moment because I can see some of their exercises look a lot easier. They might not need to use their hands to push up anymore or they might be using a heavier weight,” says Sophie.

EverActive was developed using funding from the ActiveKIT Super Round, which supports innovative ideas to help more Queenslanders be more physically active.

To find more information about EverActive and sign up to a class, visit EverActive for Over 60s - Sporting Wheelies

For more good news sporting stories —follow Sport and Recreation on Facebook. For the latest plays from Queensland’s active industry, subscribe to our State of Play newsletter.