I attend SFL at the Mount Barker Community Centre and have been attending for about 2 years.

I joined SFL after seeing it advertised on the Community Notice Board, and as I find normal gyms boring I thought I would go along and see what is was all about, and loved it the fact that it is individually tailored for your particular needs, as I have back problems, the instructor who is excellent, took this all into account when devising a program for me.

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I attend Strength for Life at Turramurra and have been attending for 16 years.

The thing I enjoy most about the Strength for Life program is that it keeps me active.

My strength is definitely very good, but my balance will always be off as I have a Cochlear Implant, my Lions hearing Dog also attends classes with me.

Strength for life is keeping my body as strong as possible despite advancing arthritis.

Read more of Adrienne's story

• Where do you attend SFL
  Turner St, FELIXSTOW. It used to be at Payneham but got too small for groups.
• How long have you been attending SFL
  About 3 years?
• Why did you join SFL
  Had a hip replacement in 2019 after which I started noticing older people hobbling around and decided she needed to get exercising to prevent getting like them.
• What do you enjoy most about being involved in SFL
  The 1-1 assistance, being encouraged but not pushed and the comradery.
• Have you noticed any changes in your strength and balance
  Yes absolutely with balance.
• Changes in wellbeing
  Yes feel good.
• Describe your relationship with other participants
  All look out for each other used to go for coffee after group, but group got split and this stopped but need to reintroduce this.
• Describe relationship with instructor
  Annki is the best instructor you could have. Heather talked about how she helps Annki set up a new group etc.
• Anything you would like to share with us
  No but the groups are made by the instructor.

• Where do you attend Strength for Life Sessions?
  Turramurra
• How long have you been attending Strength for Life Sessions?
  Been going for 15 years twice a week. Started 2 weeks after program started
• Why did you join Strength for Life?
  To get fit and by going to a class knew she would have to do the exercises twice a week.
• What do you enjoy most about being involved with Strength for Life?
  The company, the exercises, keeping body moving and maintain good balance. Monday class we just do program, the class not as relaxed and social as Wednesday class. Support each other away from classes, go out on bus trips etc. We have coffee after class once a month. All get together for Christmas Dinner.
• Have you noticed any changes with your strength and balance since joining the program?
  Definitely have maintained and improved balance and strength. Can carry shopping bags etc balance as they were.
• Have you noticed any changes in your overall wellbeing since joining the program?
  Total change to my body. Family support her. Gym sticks have really helped
• Describe your relationship with the other participants.
  Coffee monthly after class. Look out for each other, take people to appointments, go on outings, bus tips etc
• Describe your relationship with the instructor
  Kerrin is infectious in how she encourage participants.

• Where do you attend Strength for Life Sessions?
  I attend SFL sessions at Turramurra twice a week.

• How long have you been attending Strength for Life Sessions?
  I have been attending SFL sessions since I was 77 and I am now 83 years old.

• Why did you join Strength for Life?
  I joined SFL to give myself a bit more flexibility, strength and to increase suppleness.

• What do you enjoy most about being involved with Strength for Life?
  I enjoy the SFL program for exercise and I go twice a week, it’s also good for the social aspect. Once a month the Wednesday group go out for coffee, and once a year the instructor gets us all together for an outing, we have had a picnic the last few years. A couple of Christmas ago we all went to a hotel for lunch there were about 60 odd people that attended.

• Have you noticed any changes with your strength and balance since joining the program?
  Changes in strength and balance – Yes, must remember I’m getting older and not as fit as I used to be, but SFL helps maintain a level of fitness, for my age I’m not too bad compared to some others my age. Still nimble and agile and maintaining my balance.

• Have you noticed any changes in your overall wellbeing since joining the program?
  I really look forward to each week, as I am a widower and love the social aspect, company and people to talk to, as I was lonely before SFL and this really helps my wellbeing.

• Describe your relationship with the other participants.
  Have a good relationship with the other participants in the group, very friendly get on well with all of them. Very friendly atmosphere.

• Describe your relationship with the instructor.
  My relationship with the instructor is really great, she is excellent and a very nice person, bright and happy. She reviews my program when asked or if she thinks I need something different to help with strength and fitness, she reviews all our program, she keeps a good eye on us.

• Anything else you would like to share with us?
  Basically, I think SFL and exercise is a good thing for older people to maintain a fitness level and helps as we get older to be able to look after ourselves and be self sufficient and maintain some independence.

• Where do you attend Strength for Life Sessions?
  At Premium Fitness 24/7, 210 Main Rd, Blackwood 5051
• How long have you been attending Strength for Life Sessions?
  I’m not sure - years!! We returned to Adelaide 2008 - not long after that.
• Why did you join Strength for Life?
  It sounded like it would be suitable for me at my age, especially as I’d not done much for a couple of years after hubby’s severe brain haemorrhage.
• What do you enjoy most about being involved with Strength for Life?
  I like the format of warm up, own strength program, and stretch/balance cool down and the coffee/chat afterwards.
• Have you noticed any changes with your strength and balance since joining the program?
  Yes, balance was improving, was regaining strength (we used to be very active, skiing, backpacking, scuba, etc. until his stroke).
• Have you noticed any changes in your overall wellbeing since joining the program?
  Yes. And then started to deteriorate. After not getting answers from dr what primary hyperparathyroidism was (detected 2016 but told nothing to worry about and at my ages I should expect these things!) I demanded blood new blood tests etc. Got a referral to endo surgeon and surgery last November removed an adenoma. Was regaining strength etc and then got Covid. But improving again. I've decided by my 80th birthday in November I’ll be back and better than before!
• Describe your relationship with the other participants.
  A great group. Lots of laughs, support. Really appreciated as hubby not very communicative these days.
• Describe your relationship with the instructor.
  Jay is delightful. Understanding, supportive, encouraging and keeps an eye on us during our personalised gym section.
• Anything else you would like to share with us?
  As a group we decided we’d like to have quarterly lunches. Deferred during Covid but up and going again. Partners included.

I attend SFL at Viva Fitness Kidman Park. I started attending in 2020, but unfortunately with the Covid Pandemic, the sessions shut down, but as soon as they reopened, I started again and I am now doing 2 sessions a week.

Click here to read more about Kirsten's experience with Strength for Life.

I attend SFL at the Hahndorf Institute.

I have been attending since I retired about 1-1/2 years ago and I attend 1 session per week.

I have had 2 hip replacements and I also have arthritis in my lower back and my specialist suggested that the SFL program would be great to help strengthen my overall body.

Click here to read more about Annabel's experience with Strength for Life.

I attend two SFL sessions at Turramurra Highbury.

I started attending about 14 years ago, my wife had previously been attending.

I unfortunately had a heart attack and joined SFL to help complement and continue the work that had been done at the, Hampstead Rehab. Centre to assist my recovery. I was still working at the time and had a rather sedentary job and realized I needed to keep myself fit, to stay healthy.

Click here to read more about Tony's experience with Strength for Life.

In my view, Strength for Life is a program that actually delivers for its participants. Specifically,

• each participant is assessed by an accredited instructor and provided with a tailored program to develop their strength, fitness, balance and flexibility;
• the warm-up and stretch components at the beginning and end of each exercise class are essential age appropriate protection mechanisms that are often foregone in standard gymnasiums;
• furthermore the instructors keep a close eye on the participants to ensure that appropriate technique is learnt and applied. Again, as I can attest from personal experience, such supervision is missing from the gymnasiums I have previously attended (unless one engages a personal trainer) and injuries can and do result as a consequence;
• the classes are affordable, and with a referral from a doctor, are also partially deductable as an expense from some health insurers;
• participants benefit from a known safe social setting and friendships are built; and
• attendance 2-3 times a week has definitely improved my balance, muscle strength, and overall sense of well being.

In summary, I feel very fortunate to be attending Strength for Life and have commended it to my doctor in the nearby Highbury Medical Centre, and to others who might benefit.

I rate the program 4.8 stars out of 5 stars!

Peter and Steven attend Strength for Life sessions in Hahndorf and shared what they love about the program.

• Click here to watch Steven's video
• Click here to watch Peter's video
  

Alex (the Instructor) is helpful and supportive and encouraging.

I started attending after foot surgery. I’m feeling stronger and have improved my balance. The exercises are even helping old injuries. It’s a great group, very inspiring, and I look forward to class every week.

Alex is a wonderful instructor who is great at programming for us. We have a lovely venue, and a welcoming group of participants.

I joined 18 months ago because I needed special rehab on my knee after a dramatic rescue; being winched up a cliff on Kangaroo Island after a nasty fall, which was followed by a big operation to sew my kneecap back together.

My knee strength has improved dramatically!

I have been attending SFL at Clarence Park Community Centre for 3 years.

I worked in aged care and was aware of COTA and the wonderful job they do with SFL and when I went part time, thought it would a beneficial thing for me to do, and I actually joined with a group of friends who were like minded.

Click here to read more about Marian's experience with Strength for Life.

I have attended SFL for 5 years and at 3 different centers, Unley Community Centre, Goodwood Community Centre, and currently at Clarence Park Community Centre I have changed centers because I have followed the trainer, when she moved as I am very very happy with her.

Click here to read more about Megan's experience with Strength for Life.

I attend SFL at City of Prospect – Nailsworth Community Centre and have been attending for 3 years.

The prac􀆟ce nurse at my GP suggested that SFL would help with my health issues as part of my Health Care Plan.

I love being with the group who have common goals, it keeps me positive and helps with my overall health.

Click here to read more about Sue's experience with Strength for Life.

I have been attending SFL at Health Works – Marden for about 15 months.

I had noticed that my balance and overall strength was not as good as it should be, and I needed to improve my strength and flexibility.

I enjoy the social contact with other people and the results of my body’s overall improvement.

Click here to read more about Peter's experience with Strength for Life.

I attend SFL at The Hub Rec Centre, but previously attended at Blackwood, so in total I have been participating for about 5 years in total.

I have been a Scottish Country Dancer for a very long time, but since having a knee and hip replacements, needed something not quite so strenuous and hard on the hips and knees. So researched and found SFL. There is also much less travelling to attend SFL it helps that it is much closer to home.

Click here to read more about Audrey's experience with Strength for Life.

I have been attending SFL at YMCA Fleurieu Aquatic Centre for approximately 2 years. I can do up to 3 sessions a week.

I joined primarily to work on my upper body strength.

I enjoy the company of the people attending SFL, they are a great bunch of people, as we don’t live there permanently but are down at our holiday home quite a lot, it helps us in being part of the community.

Click here to read more about Margaret's experience with Strength for Life.

I attend SFL two sessions a week at Clarence Park Community Centre and have been attending for 3 years.

When I retired, a friend recommended that I join, which I thought was a good idea, to help maintain a fitness level. I also appreciate the close proximity of the centre to my home.

I love the trainer, the individualized program, the other participants just an overall enjoyable experience.

Read more of Susan's thoughts

I attend 3 sessions of SFL at the Aldinga Centre and have been attending for 3 year.

I was very overweight and decided I needed to get fit and healthy, “Eat Less, Move More”. I have lost 52kg, by making healthier decisions about what I eat and maintaining exercise with SFL and Gym work, I also walk on the beach every day.

I love the fact that I feel I have gotten healthy and fit and am going out and meeting others in my community.

Read more of Julie's story

I attended SFL for 3 years at Pro Health Mitcham, but now attend at Clarence Park Community and I have been there for about 18 months.

I joined SFL as I realized that I needed to keep the body in some sort of trim and fitness as I aged.

I love the discipline of attending 1 to 2 sessions of SFL a week, and interaction with a self-minded community.

Read more of David's story

I attend SFL at the Blackwood Community Centre and have been attending for about 1 year.

I originally joined SFL to support my partner with Pre-Habilitation to build up strength prior to a knee operation but realized that it was also of benefit to my overall health and fitness.

I love that it is a structured and committed to maintain health and fitness for older people...

Read more of Sharon's story

I attend SFL at Premium Fitness at Blackwood and have been attending for about 5 years.

Have always done a lot of sport and am reasonably fit and healthy but heard about SFL and thought this would be a great thing to help improve my overall strength, which can diminish as you age.

I enjoy the social aspect of SFL and have made some really great friends...

Read more of Linda's story

I attend Strength For Life at the Kapunda Senior Citizens Hall on Saturdays and have done so for just over a year.

I joined Strength For Life (SLF) as I had suffered back pain for several years and despite treatment it had not subsided. It was suggested building up muscular strength would help to reduce the pain. At the time I struggled to stand up from a low seat and needed to improve my general mobility, balance and strength. I saw SFL as a way to improve my overall health to enable me to live life to the fullest for as long as I can. I feel I owe this to myself but also to my husband who also attends SFL to maintain his mobility and strength.

The best thing about Strength for Life for me is having a joint warm up session which I enjoy but also having a program of exercises structured for my particular needs.

Read more of Marion's story