ARE YOU READY FOR AN ADVENTURE TO EXPLORE BALANCE, BE SILLY AND MOVE WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY AND PEOPLE OF ALL AGES?

JOIN US EVERYDAY AT 11am MT/1pm ET STARTING MONDAY March 23 With Physical Therapist, Author and Founder of Step and Connect, Erica DeMarch and her girls

JOIN US HERE Join URL: https://zoom.us/j/274219874 via Zoom and we will be streaming it on Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/stepandconnect)

 

During these difficult times, it’s become even more important to have generations helping, motivating and teaching each other while also continuing to keep moving, being playful, and staying connected as best we can.

Our Intergenerational balance program called Balance Up: Generations Balancing Together is based on the children’s book I wrote, How Do You Balance Like That? The program was initially designed as an in-person workshop, but as we all find ourselves adjusting our lives as needed and practicing social distancing, we are excited to bring the program online as well. Learning, connecting, moving and motivating each other is now more important than ever and we see this as great way to bring generations together in an interactive and playful environment to learn about balance and to develop balance skills through exploration and play.

The goals of this intergenerational program are to improve the emotional, social, intellectual, and physical well-being of youth and older adults. As a physical therapist I have the knowledge of balance and can offer “creative and proactive solutions to enhance health services delivery” and address a very important topic, balance and falls prevention.

We are starting with Facebook Live sessions at 11am MT / 1pm EST starting Monday March 23, each session will be about 30 minutes.

We will introduce the book ‘How do you Balance Like That?’ as well as the accompanying song (including animal voiceovers!) and each day we will focus on a different animal / balance concept. We will also have some meditations to activate the senses and end with a dance party (our children’s request)! We also have some special surprise guests planned for some days!

MONDAY MARCH 23TH: Reading of the Book How do you Balance Like That? and animal movement activities. Introduce the balance buddy worksheet you can download and do with a loved one to set goals and motivate each other to move and reach your goals. (If you have a colored light scarf please bring for the first session but can also just use your body)

TUESDAY MARCH 24TH: Cat stretches and the catwalk, learn about counterbalance and how the position of our feet matters for balance.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 25TH: Owl Search- sense of vision and scanning our environment “Owl Eye Spy game”

THURSDAY MARCH 26TH: Elephant Stomp- sense of touch

FRIDAY MARCH 27TH: Cheetah chase- vestibular system (inner ear)

SATURDAY MARCH 28TH: Mountain Goat jump and wiggle (changing environments, feet/shoe-wear)

SUNDAY MARCH 29TH: Seal (anticipatory vs reactive balance)

If you click on the Zoom link (https://zoom.us/j/274219874), then you will be seen doing the exercises and you can see your grandparent/child or loved one doing them with you. We are also streaming the Zoom session to Facebook Live so everyone can join in on Facebook. Contact your loved and do it together. The video will be saved if you want to do it again with a loved one via Facetime and can’t make it live.

ALL LIVE sessions happen on the https://www.facebook.com/stepandconnect --OR click TICKETS above and scroll down until you see the video at the top of the feed if you are doing this LIVE!

This video is informational and does not substitute for professional medical advice, which should always be sought prior to attempting any exercise or lifestyle activities. Step and Connect is not responsible for any loss or injury that may arise from or relate to action taken as a results of viewing videos we post.

• I have my laptop / computer set up in an area of good lighting and ample space to perform the exercises. We recommend standing near a sturdy chair for support or you can also perform all exercises in sitting. • I have sturdy footwear, water bottle. • I am ready to explore my balance with all my friends and family and people of all ages!

If you click GOING or INTERESTED on the event, you will be reminded by FB to tune in - helpful hint for those of us who can't remember what day or time it is!