Love Your Local: Movement Matters

With decades of experience in the health and fitness industry, holding exercise classes for seniors is a passion for Sally Castell. 

The Hunters Hill local has been conducting fitness classes for seniors in the area for the past 15 years. 

Classes are conducted at the Gladesville Road Community Centre on Monday and Friday mornings, focusing on strength and balance. Anyone over the age of 50 is welcome to join.

“It’s particularly important for seniors to maintain movement as they age to stay safe and active,” Sally said. 

“The classes are a relaxed way to get some focused movement while also connecting with others.” 

Trained as a physiotherapist, Sally has experience in recreational therapy, health promotion and community education and is also a registered fitness leader.

She is now focusing her expertise and energy to provide support to older adults with a variety of appropriate exercise programs and resources to suit individual needs and abilities.

“Our oldest participant at Movement Matters is 93-year-old Vincy who has been coming to classes for over 15 years!” Sally said.

“I love teaching in Hunter’s Hill because it’s my local area, and I’m looking forward to seeing more people becoming active again after so long inside from COVID.” 

A relevant and timely initiative is nearing-  April Falls Month -which promotes increasing physical activity for fall prevention and improvement of life and social balance for better mental health.

“Some older people I work with are fearful about working out in a gym, however the research shows that for older people it’s important to keep the body moving and active to build strong muscles and maintain balance.”

Sally’s overall message is that exercise is possible and necessary for all ages and abilities – regular exercise can help you do more for longer to stay active and independent.

As part of our Love Your Local initiative we are highlighting local businesses. If you would like to suggest a business email: people@huntershill.nsw.gov.au.

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