A Nailsworth-based personal trainer is encouraging people aged 55 and over to take simple, regular steps to improve their strength and balance and help reduce the risk of falls.
James Hilton, founder of the online fitness and wellbeing community Jim’s Gym, is supporting Falls Prevention Awareness Week, which runs from September 21 to 25. This year’s theme, From Awareness to Action, encourages people to take practical steps to help prevent falls.
Jim’s Gym has also partnered with Age UK Gloucestershire as part of its Be Fall-Proof campaign. The campaign highlights the importance of strength and balance in helping older people remain active and independent.
Why strength and balance matter
James already runs a monthly balance and falls-prevention session for Jim’s Gym members, as well as more than 15 live fitness classes each week for people aged 55 and over.
He said strength and balance affect many everyday activities, including getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, walking confidently and continuing to enjoy daily life. He also stressed that improving them does not require expensive equipment or long hours in a gym.
“The good news is that both can be worked on. You don’t need loads of equipment or hours in a gym either. Small amounts of movement, done regularly, can make a real difference.”
Jane Shute, head of fundraising and communications at Age UK Gloucestershire, said the partnership with Jim’s Gym was intended to raise awareness of the role strength and balance play in helping people stay active and independent.
“We’re delighted to have partnered with Jim’s Gym as part of our Be Fall-Proof campaign, which aims to raise awareness around the importance of improving strength and balance to stay active and independent.”
Five ways to help protect strength and balance
- Start before a fall happens. James says people should think about their strength and balance before they notice a problem. Routine actions such as standing from a chair, using the stairs and walking confidently all depend on staying strong and steady.
- Build movement into the day. Exercise does not always have to be a formal workout. Walking, using the stairs where appropriate, getting up regularly and moving throughout the day can all contribute to staying active.
- Keep working on muscle strength. Maintaining strength can support everyday tasks and independence. Simple repeated movements, including repeatedly standing up from a chair, can help keep muscles working.
- Give balance regular attention. Balance can be maintained and improved. James recommends safely including activities that challenge stability within a wider exercise routine, using support where it is needed.
- Do not let fear prevent movement. A fall, or anxiety about falling, can affect confidence and lead people to become less active. James advises starting with what is manageable, building up gradually and seeking professional advice if there is uncertainty about what is safe.
His message is that people can begin at any stage and do not need to wait for a fall or a noticeable loss of confidence.
“It’s never too early to start thinking about it or too late to do something. Start where you are, do what you can and keep moving.”
Jim’s Gym classes and support
Jim’s Gym offers more than 15 live classes each week, including strength and cardio, Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba and Dancercise. Members can also access hundreds of on-demand workouts, nutrition support, physiotherapy guidance, Fitness MOT assessments and social activities.
More information about Jim’s Gym is available at www.jimsgym.fitness.
