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Help Reduce the Risk of Falls in Your Community—Become a Certified SAIL Instructor

Are you interested in gaining strength and balance to help maintain and improve your life?

Are you a community volunteer, fitness instructor, or health care professional committed to helping older adults stay active and independent?

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based strength, balance, and fitness class for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance, and fitness are the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chances of falling. The entire curriculum of activities in the SAIL Program can help improve strength and balance if done regularly.

Falls are a major concern in the aging population, causing 95 percent of hip fractures in older adults. Studies have shown that leg weakness increases the chance of falling by more than four times. Leg weakness is modifiable intrinsic risk factor (predisposing factors in individuals) that can be improved with exercise that includes strength training.

SAIL fitness classes are offered at senior centers, community centers, YMCAs, churches, indoor malls, and community colleges. Some sites—including independent and assisted living communities—offer the SAIL program as one of the many benefits of being a member of that community.

SAIL instructors in high demand

Currently, there is an unmatched demand for SAIL Instructors and SAIL classes in King County. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness instructor, a community volunteer, or interested in maintaining and improving your own quality of life, this training opportunity is perfect for anyone interested in reducing the risk of falls for older adults.

Our in-person training offers a unique opportunity to learn from a SAIL Master Trainer in a hands-on environment. You’ll learn about the development of SAIL and experience a SAIL class, including mandatory exercises and educational components. You will also practice fitness assessments, learn safety protocols, and gain the skills and knowledge needed to teach and motivate others. In addition, you will receive tools to market your classes, manage and sustain your program and implement strategies for success. These training events also offer a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, create community and share best practices in using strength balance and fitness to reduce the risk of falling while having fun.

In September, the SAIL program certified 12 new instructors who took training at the Wallingford Senior Community Center (pictured above). Participants from all over King County attended with the intention of bringing SAIL back to their churches, retirement communities, and local senior centers.

SAIL Master Trainers are offering another in-person SAIL Instructor Training on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at Tukwila Community Center. Register to attend, spend the day with certified Master Trainers learning about the SAIL program, experience a SAIL class, and acquire the tools you need to market your classes, manage and sustain your program, and implement strategies for success. Upon completion, you will be a certified SAIL instructor!

Register today as space is limited. For in-person training inquiries, contact SAIL Master Trainer Sandy Gatlin at sailwithmesg@gmail.com.

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Contributor Cindy Jaffe, E-RYT 500 is a SAIL Master Trainer for Washington State who also leads SAIL fitness classes and teaches Yoga for Healthy Aging.

This article appeared in the November 2023 issue of AgeWise King County.