Stay Strong. Stay Steady. Keep Doing the Things You Love.
Staying active as you get older isn’t about trying to exercise like you did at 30.
It’s about maintaining the strength to get out of a chair comfortably. The balance to feel confident on your feet. The mobility to get around your home and community. And the independence to continue doing the things that matter to you.
At Restorative Touch Physiotherapy on Hamilton Mountain, our M.O.V.E. program is a guided exercise class designed specifically for adults 60+ who want to stay active, strong and independent in a welcoming environment.
M.O.V.E. – Movement-Based Oculovestibular Exercise
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Looking for Senior Exercise Classes Near Sackville Hill?
If you’ve been searching online for Sackville Hill senior classes, 55+ fitness programs or senior exercise classes on Hamilton Mountain, you may be comparing a few different options.
Sackville Hill Seniors Centre offers valuable City of Hamilton recreational and social programming for adults 55+. A Senior Centre membership is required to participate in registered and drop-in programming at Sackville Hill. (City of Hamilton)
M.O.V.E. is a separate program offered at Restorative Touch Physiotherapy.
Our focus is different.
Rather than offering a broad recreational fitness class, M.O.V.E. was created for older adults who may want a little more guidance with balance, strength, mobility and confidence with movement.
You don’t have to choose one or the other, either. Many older adults benefit from recreational activities, walking, social programs and more structured exercise as part of an active lifestyle.
Which Type of Program Is Right for You?
| If you’re looking for… | Consider |
| Social and recreational activities | A community or senior centre |
| General group fitness | Community recreation programs |
| Gentle guided exercise for adults 60+ | M.O.V.E. |
| Help maintaining strength and mobility | M.O.V.E. |
| Exercise when balance is a concern | M.O.V.E. |
| Individual treatment of an injury or medical condition | Physiotherapy or another appropriate healthcare provider |
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Why Strength and Balance Matter More As We Get Older
One of the biggest misconceptions about aging is that becoming weaker or less steady is simply something you have to accept.
While our bodies certainly change as we age, staying physically active can make an enormous difference.
The Public Health Agency of Canada identifies muscle weakness and poor balance among the factors that can increase fall risk and recommends exercise to improve both strength and balance. (Canada.ca)
Regular physical activity can also help older adults maintain mobility, physical function, bone health, balance and independence. (Canada.ca)
That’s why M.O.V.E. isn’t simply about “getting a workout.”
We want the movements you practice in class to support what you want to do outside of class.
Getting out of your favourite chair.
Walking around the grocery store.
Going up and down stairs.
Getting outside.
Playing with grandchildren.
Travelling.
Gardening.
Feeling more confident moving through your day.
Those are the things that really matter.
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What Is M.O.V.E.?
M.O.V.E. stands for Movement-Based Oculovestibular Exercise.
It’s the name we’ve given our exercise program at Restorative Touch Physiotherapy specifically for adults 60+.
The program brings together exercises aimed at maintaining and developing areas such as strength, mobility, coordination and balance in a gentle, guided environment.
Exercises are performed at the pace of the participant and can be adapted based on individual ability.
You do not need to be particularly athletic or experienced with exercise to participate.
In fact, M.O.V.E. may be particularly appealing if traditional gyms or fitness classes feel intimidating.
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Who Is M.O.V.E. For?
M.O.V.E. may be a good fit if you are 60+ and want to remain active but feel that a traditional fitness class may move too quickly.
It may also be worth considering if you have noticed that your legs aren’t as strong as they used to be, you feel stiff after sitting, your balance isn’t quite what it once was, you’ve become less active, or you’re simply looking for a structured way to exercise each week.
Some of our participants may also be managing previous injuries, joint discomfort, dizziness, balance concerns or fear of falling.
M.O.V.E. is an exercise program rather than an individual medical assessment. If you have a new or significant medical problem, unexplained dizziness, recent falls or an injury that requires individual evaluation, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional first.
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“I’m Too Old to Start Exercising.”
We hear versions of this all the time.
But exercise doesn’t have an age limit.
The important part is finding an appropriate starting point.
For some people, that means walking several kilometres.
For someone else, it may mean comfortably completing repeated sit-to-stands from a chair.
Both count.
The goal isn’t to compare yourself to the person beside you.
The goal is to keep improving what your body can do for you.
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“My Balance Isn’t Great. Should I Still Exercise?”
Balance concerns are actually one of the reasons maintaining physical activity can be so important.
Research on fall prevention has consistently supported exercise that challenges balance, along with strength training, as important components of fall-prevention programs for older adults. (Canada.ca)
That does not mean every balance exercise is appropriate for every person.
Exercises should match your current ability. If balance problems are new, severe or associated with dizziness, fainting, neurological symptoms or repeated falls, you should be individually assessed before participating in a general exercise class.
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What Makes a Good Senior Exercise Program?
A senior exercise program shouldn’t simply be an easier version of an exercise class designed for younger people.
It should recognize that people arrive with very different abilities.
One 70-year-old may still golf three times a week.
Another may be recovering from surgery.
Another may be nervous because they recently lost their balance.
And another may simply want to prevent themselves from becoming less active.
A well-designed program should therefore provide appropriate exercise, gradual progression, clear instruction and the ability to modify movements when needed.
That is the philosophy behind M.O.V.E.
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Exercise Is About Independence
Sometimes exercise is marketed around weight loss, appearance or athletic performance.
For older adults, we think there is an even more important goal: Independence.
Strength means carrying your groceries.
Balance means confidently stepping off a curb.
Mobility means getting down to play with your grandchildren.
Endurance means enjoying an afternoon out without feeling exhausted.
Exercise isn’t the destination.
Exercise helps you keep doing everything else.
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A Senior Exercise Class Right Here on Hamilton Mountain
M.O.V.E. takes place at:
Restorative Touch Physiotherapy
1119 Fennell Avenue East, Suite 236
Hamilton, Ontario
We’re conveniently located on Hamilton Mountain near Fennell Avenue and Upper Ottawa Street.
Classes currently run for approximately one hour on Friday afternoons and are guided by a Registered Kinesiologist.
All necessary exercise equipment is provided.
Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear that allows you to move easily.
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Try One Class
You don’t need to commit to a long membership just to find out whether you enjoy M.O.V.E.
Drop-In Class
$30 + HST
Come experience one class and see how you feel.
Four Weekly Classes
$120 + HST
Build some consistency and make movement part of your routine.
You can click here to book and pay online
Prefer to speak with someone first?
Call Restorative Touch Physiotherapy at 905-529-3278.
Our team would be happy to answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is M.O.V.E. part of Sackville Hill Seniors Centre?
No. M.O.V.E. is an independent program offered by Restorative Touch Physiotherapy on Hamilton Mountain.
Sackville Hill Seniors Centre is operated through the City of Hamilton and offers its own 55+ recreational programming. (City of Hamilton)
Do I have to be 60+?
M.O.V.E. was specifically designed with adults 60+ in mind. If you’re close to that age and think the program would be appropriate for you, contact our team and we can help determine whether it makes sense.
What if I haven’t exercised in years?
That’s okay. You don’t need to arrive already fit.
The goal is to give you an approachable place to start moving again.
What if I have arthritis or joint pain?
Many people remain active while managing arthritis and joint discomfort. However, the appropriate type and amount of exercise can vary considerably from person to person. If pain is significant or you aren’t sure what is safe for you, consider speaking with one of our healthcare professionals before starting.
What if I’m worried about falling?
Tell your instructor before class.
If you’ve experienced recent or repeated falls, significant dizziness or a major change in your balance, an individual assessment may be more appropriate before entering a group exercise program.
Do I need to bring equipment?
No. We provide the equipment required for the class.
Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.
Can I try one class before signing up?
Absolutely. A single M.O.V.E. class is $30 + HST, so you can experience the program without committing to multiple sessions.
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Movement Doesn’t Stop at 60.
Neither should you.
Whether you’re looking for a senior exercise class on Hamilton Mountain, comparing Sackville Hill senior fitness programs, trying to improve your strength and balance, or simply looking for a reason to move more each week, we’d love to introduce you to M.O.V.E.
Stay active.
Stay connected.
Stay confident.
And most importantly:
Keep M.O.V.E.-ing.