Walk Leaders Strength and Balance Exercises Training

Walk on Hebrides are pleased to announce they are now offering online Strength and Balance Exercises training for their trained Walk Leaders (registered with Walk on Hebrides). Walk Leaders will learn how to do simple Strength and Balance exercises that can be introduced to walkers and on health walks. This is a free, half-day workshop and is delivered by a Paths for All, qualified trainer.

Strength and Balance exercises can help people to stay active and reduce the risk of falls and injury. The UK Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activities Guidelines recommend Strength and Balance exercises for all, but highlight that it becomes increasingly important as people grow older. With older age there is an increased likelihood of falling and bone fractures. One way to help avoid this is to take regular exercises that improve balance and strengthen muscles.

Jeanne Mackay, NHS Western Isles Health Improvement Practitioner, said “We are delighted we are now able to provide this Strength and Balance exercises training online, via Zoom, on the 27^th of September. COVID has prevented us from offering face-to-face training these last 18 months and we have a number of trained Walk Leaders who have been waiting for more training to become available. This opportunity will enable more of our Walk Leaders to offer these exercises to groups across the Western Isles. ”

Shuna Mighton, NHS Western Isles Fracture Liaison Service Practitioner, commented “Many of our patients with Osteoporosis have suffered falls and fractures, and this can cause a loss of confidence in participating in regular exercise. The Walk on Hebrides project offers a selection of group walks available in patients' own local areas. The combination of walking with strength and balance exercises, with the support of trained leaders, provides an ideal opportunity to increase physical activity in a safe and enjoyable environment."

She added “After lockdown we have seen a far increased number of our patients with general de-conditioning and who have had to stop a number of their usual activities. This makes Walk on Hebrides even more important as a safe environment where they can build physical activity, strength and balance back up, benefitting their health and reducing their falls and fracture risk.”

To book the Strength and Balance Exercises training please telephone Rhona McGuire on 01851 762017 or email rhona.mcguire@nhs.scot

For those interested in becoming a Walk Leader, a half day online workshop is required to be completed. This training is delivered by a skilled Paths For All trainer and is an interactive event designed to provide the skills to lead safe, enjoyable health walks. Workshops are open to anyone over 18 years with an interest in becoming part of a community health project.

To find out further information about the Walk on Hebrides project, visit www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/leisure-sport-activities or email: jeanne.mackay@nhs.scot