VON Grey Bruce SMART program volunteers gather for refresher course

The Keady Community Centre was a hive of activity as nearly 65 VON Grey Bruce SMARTⓇ program volunteers gathered Wednesday, May 3, for the annual refresher workshop.

The acronym SMARTⓇ stands for Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together, a gentle fitness program for adults aged 55-plus who wish to improve their strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. It is a community-based, volunteer-led approach to improving functional fitness, preventing falls and maintaining independence for seniors. An additional and important benefit for seniors, is the opportunity to be with peers and reduce social isolation.

Close to 2,000 participants in 52 locations throughout Grey and Bruce counties are led by about 100 volunteer and 10 paid instructors. All leaders undergo specialized training to understand the relationship between activity and aging and learn the basic components of a seniors’ fitness class. They also receive First Aid and CPR training.

Classes are one hour in length, twice weekly, and consist of aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility components. The specially-designed program is appropriate for healthy aging regardless of physical ability, and runs year-round. Each class also features a falls-prevention education segment which provides information on a wide variety of topics pertinent to seniors, ranging from healthy eating to chronic conditions and community services, and how they relate to falls.

The VON SMARTⓇ community program has been in the area for many years and was originally a weekly program run in sessional blocks. In August, 2013, funding reallocations to the VON SMARTⓇ program by the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), allowed for expansion of locations and frequency of classes.

Wednesday’s program was led primarily by co-ordinators Jill Thurston and David Schembri who focused the morning session on differences between the Level 1 and 2 routine requirements. In the afternoon, they introduced new exercises and variations for use with bands and wands, and reviewed proper technique. The volunteer instructors eagerly took notes and discussed how to implement new ideas with their colleagues. Everyone came expecting an active day and was rewarded with an engaging and vigorous work-out.

Spread out over such a large geographical area, volunteers appreciate the rare opportunity to meet and brainstorm with peers or connect with program staff and co-ordinators face-to-face. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, troubleshoot and refine their skills. It’s also a chance for VON staff and administration to express gratitude for the invaluable support the instructors provide in their respective communities.

Volunteers are always needed to support existing classes and expansion of the program. No previous experience is required, just a desire to help others improve and maintain their level of fitness. Those interested, should contact Loretta Dunn at: loretta.dunn@von.ca.



SMARTⓇ fitness instructors practise the new routine during in-service, at the refresher course, held May 3 in Keady; photo by Christine Roberts