I’m used to hearing the positive results students notice from taking weekly classes. Things like less pain; sitting, standing or walking taller; feeling more confident, flexible, or stronger; doing things they hadn’t done in years. But when a published research study comes out with the same responses, I’m especially excited, though not surprised.
In a study reported in the journal Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (v.3; Jan-Dec 2017), older adults took a series of Awareness Through Movement (ATM) classes. One group met weekly for 12 weeks; the other group met twice a week for 6 weeks. Results did not indicate significant differences between the two formats on most measures. But compared to the control group, who “waited” for the class to begin, there were some significant differences.
Considering all their usual activities, three-fourths (74.5%) of the class participants reported that half or more of their activities had improved. 25.5% thought that most activities were the same, and none felt their activity worsened! However, among the control group, 75% felt no change, and only 12.5% felt at least half their identified activities improved. 12.5% felt at least half their activities worsened. In addition, nearly half of the class-goers “reported positive changes in awareness, visualization, and confidence” that were helpful in other classes and activities. Quite a return for an investment of 12 hours! Read more
Looking for improvement in your ability and ease to do the things you enjoy? Fall is a good time to try something new. Check out the classes below!
