Participant suitability
Healthy Lifestyle classes are group- based exercise classes which are held in community venues. They are most suitable for older adults, aged 50 years and above, who live in the community who are aiming to maintain physical function, independence and prevent falls and falls related injuries. Group-based exercise classes also provide an opportunity for socialisation and connection for older adults.
Healthy Lifestyle classes are most suitable for those:
- Looking to prevent loss of muscle mass, mobility, balance and fitness associated with age.
- Who can mobilise independently, or with minimal support (e.g. walking aid only). Need to be able to enter and exit the class and manage any transitions (e.g. pool entry, floor), independently.
- Can participate in a group class without the assistance of a carer (i.e. Do not require physical or cognitive support)
- Who have adequate vision and hearing function to safely manage in a group exercise setting.
- Who have adequate cognitive function to follow instructions and participate, in a group exercise setting. (Classes are not suitable for those with cognitive impairment or dementia)
- Managing stable chronic musculo-skeletal conditions including arthritis, osteoporosis and joint/muscular issues (including those who have undertaken joint related surgery following completion of post-surgical rehabilitation and allied health care).
- Managing other stable medical conditions such as cardiac and pulmonary conditions, who have completed rehabilitation programs or who have been discharged/referred from allied health care.
- Have recently completed the Stepping On or equivalent Falls Prevention program or are a Beginner to group-based exercise and meet the above suitability criteria. (Tone and Balance or Gentle Exercise – Gentle Pace is a suitable initial class).
Healthy Lifestyle Classes are
not suitable for:
- Those requiring individualised exercise prescription and supervision to accommodate for specific health care needs. (Our Exercise Leaders will provide variations for different levels of fitness/function only).
- Those experiencing recent falls or falls related injuries or who are unable to safely mobilise without stand-by supervision (Referral to our local
Stepping On Falls Prevention program is suggested prior to transitioning to Healthy Lifestyle classes).
- Those with cognitive impairment, dementia (including early stage) and walking aids.
- Acute or unstable cardiac or respiratory conditions including NYHA Class IV or III with poorly controlled symptoms. Anyone within 2-3 months of AMI, UAP, CABG or heart valve surgery.
- Poorly controlled blood pressure.
- Acute or unstable musculo-skeletal conditions such as recent fractures, neurological compromise, disc prolapse.
- Other acute or unstable medical conditions which are poorly controlled or impact on safety such as poorly controlled diabetes, recent angina or unstable psychological conditions.
Pre-Exercise Screening requirements
Healthy Lifestyle considers the safety of participants to be of paramount importance and therefore requires all Healthy Lifestyle class participants undertake annual pre-exercise screening. A copy of the Pre-Exercise Questionnaire can be found under the Enrolment tab on the Home page.
Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people who may have medical conditions which put them at a higher risk of an adverse event during physical activity/exercise. It is a filter or 'safety net' to help determine if the potential benefits of exercise outweigh the risks for an individual.
Healthy Lifestyle has implemented the Adult Pre-Exercise Screening System (APSS) from Term 1 2022, which is the health and fitness industry standard screening tool (endorsed by Fitness Australia, Sports Medicine Australia and Exercise and Sports Science Australia). More information on this tool can be found by clicking
here .
Stage 1 of the APSS tool (V2, 2019) is self-administered via questionnaire to potential class participants. A copy of this Questionnaire can be found under the Enrolment tab on the Home page. The following key questions are included:
- Has your doctor ever told you that you have a heart condition or have you ever suffered a stroke? (Heart conditions include, but are not limited to: post myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina, coronary artery bypass, coronary angioplasty, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heart transplant, pacemaker insertion, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease and peripheral artery disease)
- Do you ever experience unexplained pains in your chest at rest or during physical activity/exercise? (Any unexplained chest pain that feels like constriction, burning, knifelike pains and/or dull ache)
- Do you ever feel faint or have spells of dizziness during physical activity/exercise that causes you to lose balance? (Examples of dizziness may include, but are not limited to: light-headedness or the feeling of nearly fainting, loss of balance or other sensations such as floating or swimming)
- Have you had an asthma attack requiring immediate medical attention at any time over the last 12 months? (Medical attention refers to a medical practitioner or hospital visit following an asthma attack. It does not include the self administration of medications prescribed for asthma)
- If you have diabetes (type I or type II) have you had trouble controlling your blood glucose in the last 3 months? (Trouble controlling blood sugar refers to suffering from hyperglycaemia (high) or hypoglycaemia (low).)
- Do you have any muscle, bone or joint problem that could be made worse with physical activity/exercise? (Examples include, but not limited to: recent bone fracture/s, surgeries or injuries)
- Do you have any other medical condition(s) or recent changes in your health status that may require special consideration for you to exercise? (Examples include, but not limited to: acute injury, epilepsy, transplants, cancer)
- Has Healthy Lifestyle asked you to provide a Medical Clearance since you last enrolled due to Leader or refund request?
If participants answer “Yes" to any of these questions, they are directed to seek the advice of a medical Doctor regarding their suitability to exercise and to complete the Healthy Lifestyle Medical Clearance Form.
If participants answer “No" to all questions, they may enrol in a Healthy Lifestyle exercise class without a Medical Clearance. If their medical/health status does change, they are advised to immediately inform their Exercise Leader and seek the advice of their medical Doctor regarding exercise participation.
Medical Clearance requirements
All Healthy Lifestyle classes
For all other classes, medical review and clearance is only required for those participants who answer “Yes" to any of the Pre-Exercise Screening questions. If participants do report changes in their medical or health status, Medical Clearance may be requested to confirm their safety to participate during the term.
We ask that when assessing a participants suitability for exercise, Doctors review the specific Class descriptions, suitability criteria and exercise contra-indications (listed on this web page).
If further information is required on class content and requirements, please contact Healthy Lifestyle on 84249400.
Exercise considerations
Aqua (pool-based) Exercise
Healthy Lifestyle offers a number of aqua fitness programs which are particularly beneficial for people who are overweight, less active, have joint problems or who are recovering from an injury.
Some of these classes (titled warm water classes) are held in specific hydrotherapy pools where the water temperature ranges from 30-34°C.
Aside from the standard considerations for exercise, aqua exercise classes are not suitable for those with:
- In-continence (urinary and faecal)
- Infections (urinary tract, vaginal or eye/ear)
- Open wounds (such as skin tear, ulcer, sutures)
- Skin conditions (such as tinea)
- Acute cardiac or respiratory conditions
- Poorly controlled blood pressure
- Cannot mobilise independently, or with minimal support (e.g. walking aid). Participants need to be able to enter and exit the class and manage any transitions (e.g. pool entry), independently.
Land-based Exercise
Healthy Lifestyle offers a range of land-based exercise classes which incorporate aerobic, resistance-based, balance and mobility exercise. Please refer to the specific Class Descriptions for further information on class intensity and suitability guidelines.
Some classes also provide the option for participants to use free weights or resistance band either hand held or attached around the ankles or wrist. Our Exercise Leaders provide guidance on appropriate resistance/loading and also progress exercises according to capacity and safety.
Aside from the standard considerations for exercise, land-based exercise is not suitable for those with:
- Acute or unstable cardiac or respiratory conditions.
- Poorly controlled blood pressure or diabetes.
- Acute or unstable musculo-skeletal conditions such as recent fractures, neurological compromise, disc prolapse.
- Those experiencing recent falls or falls related injuries or who are unable to safely mobilise without stand-by supervision
Exercise Leaders
All of our Exercise Leaders are either qualified Fitness Professionals or Allied Health professionals with experience working with older adults. Our Exercise Leaders will deliver exercise classes which are suited for participation by a group of older adults with a mixture of ages and fitness levels.
Course Descriptions
Please refer to the Course Description tab to view specific information on class exercise type, intensity and suitability.