What does Strength for life offer you?

Fitness providers must be accredited by COTA SA or COTA NT in order to run the program. Participants have access to:

• Supervised, progressive strength training sessions at least twice a week at an allocated time.
• At least one suitably qualified fitness instructor to oversee the session.
• Assessments for all clients by an appropriate fitness professional (in some cases an Exercise Physiologist) and a personalised program.
• Low costs: maximum charge of
  • $7 per session or an equivalent monthly or weekly fee
  • A one-off $30 for an exercise program or
  • $55 for a full assessment if required
• An accessible and safe environment for people 50 years and over
• Opportunities for participants to socialise before and after the exercise session.

About strength training

Participants in the Strength for life program engage in strength and balance training, progressed regularly under the supervision of fitness professionals.

• Muscle strength can be regained and maintained no matter what the age and physical condition of the participant
• Supervised strength training is not a high risk activity for over-50s
• Fitness facilities are not just suitable for ‘young people’.

Benefits of strength training

Research has shown that strength training can alleviate the effects of chronic conditions such as Arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Heart Disease.

Strength training has also been shown to:

• improve balance and reduce risk of falling
• enhance mental wellbeing
• improve body composition (more muscle, less fat)
• raise self-esteem and self-confidence
• reduce lower back pain
• enhance older people’s ability to undertake activities of daily living and maintain an independent lifestyle