Boise seniors find strength and community in free ‘Fit and Fall Proof’ exercise classes

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by Sophia DoumaniWed, November 27th 2024 at 4:53 PM.

Boise seniors find strength and community in free ‘Fit and Fall Proof’ exercise classes.

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Exercise is beneficial for people of all ages but it becomes increasingly important as you age. According to Central District Health, every 18 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency department for a fall and every 35 minutes, an older adult dies as a result of their injuries.

“I think once you retire, it becomes too easy to just be sedate and you kind of have a tendency to self isolate and I think that increased with Covid, so it’s super important to stay active,” said Fit and Fall Proof instructor Jan Downs.

Boise seniors find strength and community in free ‘Fit and Fall Proof’ exercise classes

This class is offered twice a week with multiple seniors attending for more than a decade. Birkinbine is one of the instructors and says both participating and teaching has given her so much over the last ten years.

“Peggy is the best. She just loves everybody. She doesn’t know a stranger and we just laugh,” said Jean Young, a senior that’s been attending this class for 11 years. “It isn’t an issue of big muscles or anything. It’s a matter of getting your body working and enjoying people and just getting out of the house.”

Boise seniors find strength and community in free ‘Fit and Fall Proof’ exercise classes

We can all benefit from some extra movement and socialization, which is why Fit and Fall Proof classes are free and open to the public.

“You know, if you sit there and say, ‘Coulda, woulda, shoulda,’ that isn’t going to help your body or your balance or meeting new people,” said Young. “We just do the best we can, and it does help so you don’t fall.”

Boise seniors find strength and community in free ‘Fit and Fall Proof’ exercise classes

No matter where you are in your health journey, all are welcome at Fit and Fall Proof.

“One gal was 101 that came to our class. Age makes no difference, as long as you come and do the best you can, that’s all we care about,” said Birkinbine.

Boise seniors find strength and community in free ‘Fit and Fall Proof’ exercise classes

According to Central District Health, “7 in 10 participants report improvements in their physical functioning, such as performing activities of daily living or walking” after attending Fit and Fall Proof classes. Click here to find a class near you.

“Don’t be nervous. It’s for everyone and they’re all fitness levels and no one’s really checking anyone else out. I mean, they’re focused on what they need to do and what they can do,” said Downs.

Boise seniors find strength and community in free ‘Fit and Fall Proof’ exercise classes