SILVERFIT

Strength and balance for the Over 60's

I run strength and balance classes for the over 60's in Penarth and online. My aim is to maximise independence and prevent falls in the elderly by following up to date evidence based guidelines.


My Silverfit class will increase both your strength and balance in a safe, guided way so that you can feel confident and enjoy life.


Do something good for yourself and book a consultation today.

FAQs For Our Strength Classes for the Over 60's

See some common questions and answers below about our Silverfit classes promoting strength and balance in the over 60's:

  • Who is Silverfit suitable for?

    • Previously been a patient of Rachel Disley Physiotherapy and Done a Full Function and Balance Screening.
    • Strength and Balance identified as area that need work 
    • Falls risk Identified and/or deconditioning subjectively discussed by patient
    • Rockwood Clinical Fraility Score of  3 or less. Managing well: people whose medical problems are well controlled, but are not regularly active beyond routine walking.  We aim to prevent them falling into the fraility category of 4 or more which is stated as; VULNERABLE – While not dependent on others for daily help, often symptoms limit activities. A common complaint is being “slowed up”, and/or being tired during the day. 

  • Who is Silverfit NOT suitable for?

    PAR Q questionnaire filled in:

    • Unstable CV disease 
    • Poor cognitive function leading to lack of safety awareness 
    • Rockwood Clinical Frailty Score 4 – Not dependent on others for activities of daily living, but symptoms limit activity. They often feel ‘slowed up’ and or tired most of the day. Level 4 would need a 1 to 1 approach with medical screening e.g. exercise referral/Cardiac Rehabilitation


  • How do I join Silverfit?

    Make an initial consultation appointment so you can be assessed. You can make an appointment via phone, email or by making an appointment here.


    On initial assessment, needs and goals will be determined by you. Your preference for face to face, 1 to 1 strength and balance work or online classes will then be determined.

  • When do the classes run?

    They run twice a week on a Tuesday and Thursday lunch time.


    It is a 5 week rolling programme – with 2 x 2 week breaks at Summer and Christmas.


    Participants can do 1 or 2 classes a week. Gold Standard is 2 sessions a week, but that is progressive. 


  • How much do SIlverfit classes cost?

    £10 per session, payable in 5 week blocks i.e. £50 per course.

  • What is the structure of the class?

    • Silverfit is a 45 minute exercise class
    • There are 2 Levels of Class; Silver Fit Level 1 and Level 2
    • It is a 5 week rolling programme – with 2 x 2 week breaks at Summer and Christmas
    • Participants can do 1 or 2 classes a week. Gold Standard is 2 sessions a week, but that is progressive. 

“I’m so glad I started seeing you last year. The fact that we have the two regular classes gives some shape to my week, so I’m really grateful for that.” 


Rosemary Palmer  (October 2020)


Why is strength in the over 60's important?


This class takes into account best practice to reduce Sarcopenia*, minimise Osteoporosis, maximise independence and to minimise the risk of falls and injury in the future.**



We use a combination of body weight, banded and weighted exercise to improve strength and functioning confidence.

 

 

Alongside this we have a "Disley Treat" of safe progressive balance activities that are evidence based.***

 

*Sarcopenia is a generalised skeletal muscle disorder characterised by reduced muscle strength and mass and associated with a range of negative health outcomes)  

**AGILE CSP, 2020 and Bench Marking Exercise Prescription in Older People, BEPOP 2022) 

***(AGILE CSP, 2022).   

Rachel Disley

physiotherapist

Rachel Disley has run her own physiotherapy practice in Penarth since February 2018. Prior to this Rachel worked in the Nuffield Cardiff Bay Hospital for over 10 years, as the Senior Physiotherapist for Musculoskeletal physiotherapy with special interests in Sports Injuries and Women’s Health. Rachel has successfully treated Olympic and Commonwealth athletes ( see testimonals) for many years following working in the Australian Institute of Sport ( AIS, Canberra). Rachel is an avid sports woman. Currently she plays International Masters Hockey for Wales and plays on the 1st Team for Penarth LHC. Rachel has Senior Leinster and Australian Capital Territory Hockey Caps, plays Golf (off a handicap of 7 – pre children) and tennis at Penarth Windsor LTC. She uses this passion for sport with both her BSc Exercise Physiology and MSc Physiotherapy background to provide individualised goal centred (p)rehabilitation and prevention programmes for each client.

 

Rachel aims to make her physiotherapy practice in Penarth a complete (p)rehabilitation and injury prevention hub and has set up the successful “Silver Fit” Exercise Class. 1 in 3 over 65 Year Olds fall every year (PHE, 2018). Therefore, these evidence-based Virtual Group Exercise Classes improve individual’s strength and balance, ensuring participants minimise their risk of falls and stay independent in the activities they love (www.agile.csp.org.uk, 2020).

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