Being active
Low-impact exercise is highly beneficial for older people as it helps maintain mobility, strength, and balance without putting undue stress on the joints. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, regular low-impact exercise can boost mood, increase energy levels, and support independence, making it an essential part of a healthy aging routine.
Exercise Groups for Older People in South Canterbury
| Name/Activity | Day/Time | Cost | Venue | Contact |
| Timaru | ||||
| Stay on your Feet By referral from Health Professional or through ICATT. For people who have had a fall or at risk of falling. 10 week programme focuses on leg strength and balance. – Classes run in Timaru, Temuka, Waimate, Geraldine & other South Canterbury locations | A 10-week course, run during term – Also Can be Home based – six sessions over a six-monthly period ideal if there are other carers providing support. Delivered by physios | Contact Lee | Various times and locations | Sport South Canterbury Lee King lee.king@sportcanterbury.org.nz 03 9292 519 Or Kate Foster 03 929 2520 |
| Graduate Stay on Your Feet Low impact, seated exercise, movement to music, resistance band arm & leg exercises, balance & flexibility. | $4 per class | Timaru Indoor Bowls | Ph Cathie Weith 021 832 991 or 686 2600 | |
| Shape Up – exercise class Light exercise session – standing & seated options, movement to music, resistance band arm & leg exercises, balance & flexibility. | Monday and Tuesday 9.30am | $5 per class | West End Hall, Timaru | Ph Cathie Weith 021 832 991 or 686 2600 |
| Age Concern Friday Club – social meeting with exercise Includes anyone can attend. The timetable each week is: Arrive from about 9.30am Morning tea from 10.00am – 10.30am. Optional low impact exercise from 10.30 – 11.05am Entertainment or speaker from 11.10 – 11.55 (approx.). Lunch is served from 12pm. | Friday from 9.30am | Only pay for morning tea $3 and lunch $12 | Wilson St Baptist Church Hall, 17 Wilson St, Timaru | Age Concern 03 687 7581 |
| Dancing Doyennes – Sit, Walk Dance- Creative Contemporary Dance Class for over 60’s. Dance your way in physical wellbeing & confidence in older age. | Monday 10am (1 hour class) | $10 for a casual or $85 for a 10-class concession | Southern Trust Events Centre, 70 Morgans Road | Kerry-Ann Stanton 027 474 5003 |
| Active For Life – Light Circuits | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 9:00 am Monday & Wednesday 6pm Wednesday 9.30am Exercise to Music | $7.00 casual, concessions available, *First class is free* | Southern Trust Events Centre, 70 Morgans Road | Sport Canterbury (03) 686 0751 |
| Timaru Keep Active – St Stephens Light circuit based exercise session – standing & seated options, movement to music, resistance band arm & leg exercises, balance & flexibility. | Monday and Wednesday 10.30am | $4 per session | St Stephens Church hall, Wai-iti Rd, Timaru | Sport South Canterbury Kate Foster 03 929 2520 |
| 60yr+ Golden Groovers – St Mary’s | Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11am | $5 per session | St Mary’s Hall, Church St | Alicia Maybe 0274433003 |
| Timaru High Steppers Walking Group Get fit, have a laugh, and meet some cool new people, approx. 4km. Join Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1947263478954577/ | Monday Early morning Tuesday and Thursday 6pm | ??? | ??? | Angela Purdie |
| St Johns Church Hall Elder Care Group Drop in for a cuppa, chat with friends, enjoy some games, a bit of light exercise and some laughter and fun | Monday – 1 – 3pm | $3 per session | St John’s Church Hall, 125 Wai-iti Rd | Margot Ph 021 0239 4850 |
| Yoga for Seniors on Chairs – meditation, breathing and yoga Trinity Church Hall plus cuppa | Thursday 2-3pm | $3 per session | Trinity Church Hall, 22 College Road | Leigh Marsden 0211050750 Helen Carter Ph 021 768 973 |
| CBAY Les Mills BODYBALANCE®, the Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates with controlled breathing, concentration and stretches, build strength and flexibility | Monday 9.15am Tuesday 10.15am & 7.00pm Wednesday 6.00am & 5.30pm Thursday 5.30pm Friday 10.15am Saturday 9.00am Sunday 9.30am | $15 per session casual Memberships available | CBAY Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre, 11 Te Weka St | 03 684 2229 |
| Geraldine | ||||
| Geraldine Keep Active Light circuit based exercise session – standing & seated options, movement to music, resistance band arm & leg exercises, balance & flexibility. | Monday 9.30am | $3 per session | Waihi Lodge Function Room, Shaw St, Geraldine | Pamela Rafferty, Phone 03 693 8991 |
| Geraldine Gentle Exercises and Morning Tea – exercises done following a video | Tuesday 10am | No Charge | Senior Care Geraldine Function Centre, Shaw street, Geraldine | Marg Rose 03 693 9521 |
| Geraldine Friendship Morning, Exercises, social time and morning tea | Friday 10am | No Charge | Senior Care Geraldine Function Centre, Shaw street, Geraldine | Marg Rose 03 693 9521 |
| Geraldine Yoga – yoga, breathing and meditation | Monday 7pm | $12 per session | Geraldine Primary School, Wilson St | Leigh Marsden 0211050750 |
| Waimate | ||||
| Keep active classes | Thursday 10:30am | $4 per session | Waimate Event Centre | Joan Dennison, 036898408 |
| Upright and Active | Monday 10am | $5 per session | Town and Country | Louise McRae 036892832 |
| Low Impact | Monday 2pm | $5 per session | Town and Country | Louise McRae 036892832 |
| Temuka | ||||
| Mindful Yoga | Thursday 6pm | $15 casual/$90 term of 10 classes | The CoLab, 108 King St, Temuka | Gemma |
| Steady As You Go© Falls Prevention and Strength and Balance, low impact followed by a cuppa and a chat | Friday 11.30am | $2 | St Josephs Hall, Wilkin St, Temuka | Age Concern 687 7581 |
| Be Active Classes (Virtual) | ||||
| Pleasant Point Cathy Wilkins | ||||
| Temuka | ||||
| Waimate | ||||
| Fairlie |
Further information and advice
Entitlements and assistance
Did you know you can get assistance over and above your NZ superannuation? You may also be entitled to: NZ Superannuation NZ Super is a taxable pension paid to NZ…
Health
A LIFE TUBE could save your life! Just over two years ago, an older person living on their own had a medical incident and they were struck down suddenly with…
Legal
Enduring Power of Attorney What? Why? How? What happens if you can no longer make decisions? Why you need an enduring power of attorney. Do you have an Enduring Power…
Scams and Fraud
HAVE YOU BEEN SCAMMED? HERE’S WHAT TO DO Make sure you also: OUR TOP TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR MONEY. COLD CALL SCAMS Common signs of this scam The scammer…
Summer Wellness
Tips to ‘beat the heat’ this summer. Summer is a lovely time of the year, however when the temperature and humidity rise, we can be more vulnerable to heat-related health…
Supporting the independence of older adults
Age Presents many hurdles. Holding onto independence shouldn’t be one of them. Staying in your own home , staying healthy and active ,and living life on your own terms is…
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights establishes the rights of consumers, and the obligations and duties of providers to comply with the Code. Right 1 The…
The Pet Connection People
Care and Assistance When It’s Needed Most Our charitable organisation is dedicated to supporting the elderly or terminally ill with the care of their beloved pets. Whether it be pet…