Fall Prevention
May 19, 2022

Susan B. is improving her balance and strength at 73 thanks to GetSetUp exercise classes

Susan B. is improving her balance and strength at 73 thanks to GetSetUp exercise classes
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When Susan’s doctor recommended that she improve her balance, she was determined to make it happen. Intrigued by GetSetUp, which she heard about at her local YMCA, Susan started taking classes in March, beginning with Kristina’s yoga sessions.

“Since March, I have been participating in every yoga class that Kristina offers. Over time I have noticed small improvements in my strength and balance. This week I have been able to lift my legs high off the mat when only a few weeks ago I could not even lift my toes. This morning in the Vinyasa Flow class I held my balance in a standing lunge that was impossible for me to do just a week or two ago. When I began these classes, I had no confidence that I would ever be able to do these poses. I can’t even describe how surprised I was this morning when Kristina cued us to rise into a standing lunge, and I actually DID it!”

Susan is now taking yoga and other exercise classes five days a week on GetSetUp. Despite classes resuming at her local YMCA, she finds the courses on GetSetUp, specially designed for older adults, to be a great benefit.

“Now that I’ve found GetSetUp I’m good with doing my yoga here at home. Kristina is the best yoga instructor I’ve ever had. She really seems to key in on important ways to keep ourselves safe. What I really like about my classes at home is if I’m here watching her and listening to her cues, then I’m not comparing myself to the 25-year-old turning into a pretzel at my in-person classes. I’m focused on me.”

The online exercise classes have been an enormous boost to her confidence.

“I’m doing things that at 73 I never thought I would be doing!”

Susan agrees with Guide Kristina’s sentiment about why she does yoga: she doesn’t want people to help her out of her chair at 100. Instead, she wants to stand up when she wants without depending on someone else to pull her up.

Explore Yoga Classes and Beyond

Susan has now taken hundreds of classes, including hobbyist sessions like Scott’s photography classes and Donna’s classes on art and music. She has also learned new software and device skills to help her stay in contact with her children and grandchildren, from Houston, Texas to Madison, Wisconsin, and Vienna, Austria.

“I have enjoyed all the many wonderful classes I’ve taken at GetSetUp, and I appreciate the health benefits I’m getting from the fitness classes.”

Susan remembers a decade ago when she was taking online classes at the University of Houston, where interactions were text-based. Now, with an interactive and real-time platform like Zoom, she feels more connected.

“It’s a lot different with an interactive and real-time class platform with Zoom. You get to feel like you know people who come back to the same groups every week.”

Susan enjoys attending regular classes like fitness sessions and book club meetings, but she also signs up for one-time classes to explore new interests. Additionally, she saves valuable time by avoiding the Houston commute.

“Before the pandemic, we were all into face-to-face meetings, but now even the church and some other organizations I’m a part of are considering if they should go back to regular face-to-face meetings or do them just occasionally. Many people prefer to meet on Zoom since it’s much easier to schedule.”

Thanks to GetSetUp, Susan has improved her balance, prevented potential falls, enhanced her digital literacy, and maintained strong social connections.