The Otago programme is a strength and balance exercise class with educational talks. This programme is held at local leisure centres throughout Shetland. The Otago programme has many benefits: it aims to reduce falls, keep you active, improve confidence and improve social connections.
What the class involves:
The exercise class starts with a warm up consisting of marching on the spot and some body movements.
This is followed up by the strength exercises with optional ankle weights. These exercises strengthen the muscles in the hips, legs and ankles.
The next part of the class is a series of balance exercises. These exercises challenge your balance aiming to increase stability and confidence when walking and performing everyday activities.
All exercises are done in the chair or standing next to a chair. The class is done at your own pace and the instructor will advise you on different variations to suit your needs.
Learning and socialising:
Throughout the year various educational talks are organised to take place before or after the exercise class. These talks are done in your community group along with a cuppa.
These talks are from different professionals. The topics vary from medication, home safety to scambusters.
How to access the Otago programme:
You can self refer into the programme or a health/social care professional can refer you to us. Please see below links to self referral form, the professionals referral form and a leaflet with some more information. To find out more or see if this programme would be suitable for you please get in touch.
Otago