Every carer and member of staff should feel confident leading movement sessions with both groups and individuals. So, our movement specialists have created training videos and materials to support every individual that leads our sessions. Our training offers both general and detailed information, with practical guidance and tips on how best to facilitate sessions.
You can access our training sessions both online and face to face. Our digital carer training is available both in instructional videos and in downloadable pdfs. If you prefer in-person training, we can come to you. Or you can attend one of our away days closest to where you are. Contact us at info@zestactivearts.org to find out more, and/or book a session with our Training Lead, Rosie Allen-Perdikeas.
Zest founder, Clare Parker, and Training Lead, Rosie have created four modules for you to watch and/or download as a pdf, plus a short video to say hello. They are:
In addition, we have created specific instructional videos with teaching points and expert tips to help you lead key strength and balance exercises.
Our movement experts guide you through our strength and balance exercises as well as helping you use Zest to the full, and ideas for introducing props.
Everything you need to start exploring the content and using Zest.
Ideas and tips on how to get everyone in your home moving more everyday using Zest.
Ideas and tips on using Zest Big Night In videos to help you create social occasions and events.
Ideas and tips on identifying the difference your activities make and how to observe and measure health and wellbeing outcomes.
Practising sitting to standing strength and balance exercises to help prevent falls.
Demonstration of two strength & balance exercises for the lower legs (seated and standing).
Every Zest session has been created to help improve people’s mobility and help them socialise.
Clare and Rosie have decades of experience bringing music and movement to older people in a variety of settings, including working with staff and residents in residential care homes. Both trained in FaME and Otago evidence-based programmes, and their sessions are designed to incorporate the key strength and balance exercises that can help prevent falls.
The choreography is accessible for all; the movements are easy enough for anybody to be supported to try, whatever their level of mobility. All Zest videos are designed to be completed seated, but can be adapted for those lying down, or for those able to exercise standing or standing supported. Many can also be adapted for use in Dementia settings.
Using props is a great way to make classes more fun and encouraging bigger movements - if people are concentrating on holding onto an object, they’re less likely to be asking themselves if they can do it or not. You might be surprised by how many daily objects can work as props - hats, scarves, paper plates, pieces of paper and fabric can all be used. Polystyrene piping from a hardware shop can be turned into cheap and effective ‘batons’ – as used in our On the Move Tangoesque Warm-up and Move with the Orchestra. Scarves from charity shops add colour without costing too much. Watch our special props video for tips and suggestions to get you started sourcing, upcycling and getting moving with affordable and effective props.
Are your exercises suitable for everybody
We know that older people have varying levels of mobility and fitness, and so we have created a wide range of seated exercises that can easily be modified to suit individual abilities. We include gentler choices for those with limited mobility, incorporating low-impact workouts, balance exercises and strength training. That way, users can choose the movements that are suitable and safe for their current level of fitness. We also suggest ways to modify exercises or offer alternatives where we think that will be beneficial. Many of our videos can also be adapted for dementia settings – if in doubt contact us to ask how: info@zestactivearts.org.
The NHS recommends older adults do some type of physical activity every day to improve their health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. If it is not possible to do this due to a chronic condition, they should be as active as their ability and conditions allow. For those who have not exercised for some time, have concerns or medical conditions, a GP or healthcare professional can provide guidance.
What support or assistance is available for users and carers?
We provide four training modules to help support carers and care home staff to access our content safely and effectively. In addition, our On The Move videos are all led by specialists who offer tips throughout. We also provide in-person training and are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Simply email us at info@zestactivearts.org.
How do I subscribe?
We offer three subscription models. You’ll find all the details here. If you have any more queries, contact us, info@zestactivearts.org.
Ask us anything and find out more about Zest Active Arts -
contact Katie at info@zestactivearts.org
