Geri-Fit & Fall Prevention
Francesca Fisher is the founder and creator of Geri-Fit, an evidence-based strength training program. Geri-Fit is for older adults of all ages and fitness levels. This evidence-based program empowers seniors and aids in fall prevention.
Fran’s body-sculpting program began in Ohio in 1984. Although, an up and coming program, many women did not want to get “big, bulky muscles” from lifting dumbbells.
Finally, a 1986 study found strength training to be great for creating dense bones that combat osteoporosis. As a result, many began the body-sculpting program. The program was offered at over 200 locations in nine county areas. The body-sculpting class became the most popular program in north eastern Ohio.
What is Geri-Fit?
Geri-Fit is for seniors desiring the benefits of strength training because they notice their own unsteadiness in being able to walk from Point A to Point B. This program aids seniors in regaining strength, which also improves balance and mobility. Ultimately and most noteworthy, Geri-Fit decreases the risk of a fall. Geri-Fit empowers and enables seniors to walk with confidence and should they fall, get back up with ease.
Furthermore, the Geri-Fit program consists of a 12-minute pre-stretch warm up, consisting of marching in place, movement from side to side and raising arms at shoulder height. Then 30 minutes of strength training, where seniors do squats, lunges, overhead press, and more. These exercises work all major parts of the body. However, the primary focus of the program is to work the lower half of the body and build up as much muscle as possible.
How
Most noteworthy, Geri-Fit is not just a program, it’s a lifestyle change. One that seniors should continue participating in to live a long and healthy life. Regular exercise, like Geri-Fit, helps combat arthritis, osteoarthritis and depression. Additionally, participation in Geri-Fit shows great benefit in slowing down the progression in Alzheimer’s and dementia. In regaining their strength, some seniors can move from walker to cane.
The city of Menifee and both Renaissance Village locations offer the Geri-Fit program. Additionally, parts of the United States, Canada, Mexico offer Geri-Fit and Brazil broadcasts classes on TV.
Francesca shares she envisions Geri-Fit being offered nationally by 2020 in the U.S. and additional countries. Geri-Fit applied for international trademark and is translating the manual into Cantonese, Mandarin and Spanish.
Furthermore, Geri-Fit is doing great things for seniors around the world, and is an active leader in fall prevention. We are proud partners of this exceptional program, and offer classes twice a week at both of our assisted living communities.
On Tuesday, September 19, we hosted a Fall Prevention Workshop with Francesca Fisher of Geri-Fit. If you were unable to attend, you can now watch it on our Facebook page. Finally, Thank you to the National Institute on Aging for mention it in their newsletter.
