Make it a Safe New Year

Make it a SAFE New Year

As you all know, fitness classes are an integral part of PESGSC's ongoing programming. Facilitating improved member balance, strength, flexibility, and movement is at the core of our sessions at Rise. In turn, these things help keep everyone as active as possible. 

Thanks to each of you who regularly attend our classes and so diligently work on your own fitness. Your dedication encourages and inspires us all. That said, your safety is always paramount to us. And the New Year is the perfect time to reinforce this.

Understanding Class Levels

Our members experience a wide range of mobility/balance challenges. Member needs and fitness goals vary across our community. In response, PESGSC currently offers two types of fitness classes:

* All-Levels Classes: Open to all participants, including those who use walkers or canes or attend with care partner assistance.

* Advanced Classes: These classes are only for participants who are 100% independent, meaning no need for walking aids or care partner support. These classes move at a faster pace and involve exercises that require full balance and mobility.

As you consider classes you want to attend, please keep the above guidelines in mind.

Class Participation - Balance Aids

Because our classes are held as a group, our instructors lead many participants in any given session. As such, they're unable to proactively support individual members in a situation of potential balance loss, and we want you to avoid any preventable injuries. So, if you normally use a walker or cane and are attending an all-level class without a care partner, please bring your mobility aid with you to class. 

Self-Care

PESGSC wants you to engage in our fitness programs in sustainable, safe ways. And we try to do our part. But, in the end, each of us must 'own' our individual safety and injury risk management-- then make decisions accordingly. In that spirit, please keep the following things in mind regarding your Fitness Program participation:

* Pay attention to how you're feeling when deciding to participate in a class on any given day. Be mindful of any significant fatigue, recent falls, dizziness, or pain you've experienced recently. While our exercise classes are intended to support your resiliency in these areas, please listen to what your body is telling you. Don't risk injury by attending a class that you're not feeling up for. We're not going anywhere, and we'll be here for you with our programming when you're feeling ready to jump back in.

* Do only what you feel you can safely do in our classes. Don't push yourself beyond safe limits. Fitness is not about keeping up with others. It's never a competition. Rather, it's about doing what you safely can in incrementally improving your fitness level each day.

* Play the 'long game' in how many classes you plan to attend each week. Overscheduling yourself in too many classes can create overuse issues and injury risks. We love your engagement in as many classes as doable for you, but please pace yourselves.

* Stay hydrated at all times. And take breaks during class if you need them. 

* Please do not attempt to assist another member physically during class. While our hearts are in the right place in helping our fellow members, your intervention can create risks of injury to both the other person and yourself.

* Whether you're at Rise; coming into/out of Epworth UMC for Chorus; at the Lewes Library for our monthly meetings; or participating in any of our programs, stay fully focused on safely navigating your surroundings instead of multitasking. And please take your time in getting around.