Get stronger as you sit

22 Jul 2021

NT Seniors Voice for Katherine by COTA NT

Every Friday morning at the Anglicare NT community room on Third Street, people are getting together to take a seat and get stronger!

Sharon Kelly leads seated strength workouts for seniors in Katherine. You don’t need to have any of the set up at home – the screen, the computer and the Zoom connection are all managed by Anglicare NT in their community room.

Best of all, Sharon has designed these classes specifically for the over 50s and she encourages everyone to work within their own limits and listen to their bodies. The gentle sitting exercises taught by Sharon can also be done at home and are designed to help improve mobility and prevent falls. 

“I attended my first Chair class last week and loved it. I felt this class would suit people who have back issues and are unable to do exercise on the floor. Sharon was terrific and I was surprised how hard we worked. I intend making it a regular when I am in town,” said Suzie Berger one of the class participants.

Sharon has instructed Pilates and Seated Aerobics for COTA NT since 2015 and has worked within the fitness industry for many years and is a qualified Group Fitness instructor. Sharon particularly enjoys balance, co-ordination and flexibility programs. In 2020, Sharon created new ways of extended the reach of her classes to the Territory’s “Super Agers” by creating a Super Aging YouTube channel of online classes and inviting people to attend classes by Zoom.

“Now in the best years of my life (mid 50s), I juggle personal training, group classes, PT clients along with running a small business in Winnellie with my husband Carl. “ said Sharon. “The focus of my training is “Quality of Life”. I love teaching classes and challenging participants to do better whilst having fun.   

My primary focus now is posture, flexibility, mobility and functional movement patterns. I endeavour to bring a sense of empowerment to each of my classes and my goal is to have all my participants leave each class feeling refreshed, energised and renewed, keen to get on with life again. Although always challenging, both physically and mentally, my classes are tailored to suit the class and their capabilities.”

For those aged over 65 or for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50, the classes are free. To find out more phone AnglicareNT – Katherine on 8963 6100.