Our campaign invites you to step through the front door and see what classes are really like through the experiences of participants and instructors. Discover what to expect, who it’s for, and why it matters. You might just find your next step forward.
Last updated: 9 June 2025
Community Strength and Balance classes are more than just exercise, they’re about connection, confidence, and staying steady on your feet.
Our campaign invites you to discover what these classes are really like, told through the journeys of those who know them best.
From participants walking into their weekly class to instructors who have helped improve the lives of many, we’re lifting the veil to show you what to expect, who it’s for, and why it matters.
Whether you're looking to improve your strength, prevent falls, or simply meet new people in a supportive setting, take a closer look - you might just find your next step forward.
Video transcript for Natalie’s story – Make everyday tasks easier when you join a strength and balance class.
This video warmly invites viewers into the world of strength and balance classes, highlighting the personal journey of Natalie Wen. Through her story, we learn about the welcoming and supportive environment of these classes, where participants focus on improving their stability and mobility.
Natalie shares how these exercises have boosted her confidence and made everyday tasks easier, encouraging others to discover their own capabilities and form meaningful friendships along the way.
Join Natalie and learn how these classes can make a positive difference in your life!
Now you see, I would never be able to carry the chairs like this.
Come on boy.
My name is Natalie Wynn. Come on. Good boy.
I love reading.
I happened to be in the library changing books, and I noticed these women sitting in this room.
I had a little wee nose, and I decided, ooh.
There was no lycra or no tight tops or anything like that.
Just normal clothes.
Instructor - we will start sitting in a chair comfortably. Start by warming up the neck.
The instructor was very welcoming, she was warm.
The ladies were just, they were lovely.
Look up straight ahead of you.
Yeah. That's it.
The exercises concentrate primarily on doing it well, and doing it within your abilities.
Instructor - Beautiful. Okay.
I became conscious of my stability and mobility a couple of years ago.
I was skimming, because it gave me more stability.
Hopping out of the car, that was the biggest struggle.
It made me feel a lack of confidence, because I don't think that's always been a problem with me.
Instructor - But we are hinging at our hips.
She concentrates on the core too.
She reminds us, and that’s your stability.
That one foot, you balanced on one foot.
Definitely encourage people to give it a go and just find out what your body is capable of.
Instructor - and I'm ready to hold at my next level and also potentially meet new friends, because we have some really cool friendships go on here in this class.
I'm glad that I went to the classes, because now you know, I could just get up out of a chair like this.
I just noticed the little things around home that I'm able to do without thinking “ugh that hurts”.
You want to see me get into my car and get out? I don't have a problem.
Strength and balance classes, come long and give that a shot.
Video transcript for Bob and Colleen’s story: Build community connections when you join a strength and balance class.
Explore the joys and benefits of a strength and balance class as we follow in the footsteps of Bob and Colleen. You'll hear personal stories from participants who have found joy, fitness, and new friendships through these engaging exercises.
Whether you're looking to stay active, meet new people, or simply enjoy a cup of tea after a good workout, this video is for you.
Discover how a supportive community and fun challenges can help you stay active and keep doing the things you love!
Up on the toes, and then down and back on the heels.
I like looking at the fridge.
All those places we've been to over the years.
Hi. Hi.
I read a notice in the library.
How are you, Doug?
And it said something about hips and keeping fit.
I did, at that stage, have two artificial hips and I thought “right that’s speaking to me”.
Instructor - Up we come, star and cross.
It's great to have a challenge and exercises that you wouldn't normally do.
Instructor - kick.
This is not a competition.
This is not a race to see who's the best.
This is to get you safe and perhaps help you live a life with better quality than what you would otherwise live.
It draws attention to weaknesses and just strengthens yourself enough.
When we’re walking to the exercise class, we look at the plants that we planted and see how they've grown.
I can't walk past a weed without pulling it out.
Instructor - around and down. One more circle.
It's a no lycra experience.
No lycra, and no getting on the floor.
Because we won't get everybody up again.
Instructor - up, out. Point.
People have said how they are fitter.
And then you have a cup of tea.
So the recipe is just brilliant.
Some people who've lost a partner or something.
They’re a bit lost, and quickly became part of the team.
People mix and learn about one another and it's really surprising.
You know the number of people we've met have now become good friends
Instructor - up, down.
So it's mental and it's physical and it's great.
Instructor - palms down.
Definitely join a strength and balance class, give it a go!
Instructor - Crunch it and spray it like a twinkling star.
Video transcript for David and Trish’s story: How Friday morning dance classes are helping them live stronger for longer.
This heartwarming video captures the joy and camaraderie of a weekly dance and fitness session. Join David and his daughter Trish as they share their special morning together and reflect on the meaningful connections they’ve made.
From gentle movements to shared laughs, the video highlights the positive impact of staying active, the importance of community, and the simple pleasures of spending quality time together.
All levels of ability are welcome - come along and join a strength and balance class near you.
Any requests today?
Yes. Dancing!
(Laughter)
Hello, hello.
Hello Trish.
You’re ready to go are you?
So Trishy picks me up in the morning.
It's one of the, um generally speaking important days of my week.
It’s lovely, it's a good time to spend time with my dad, so I put Friday mornings aside so we can do that together.
How’s the leg?
There’s about 40, 30 or 40 at a group and they're all about; well, I'm the oldest, but you know, that sort of age.
Really lovely people, and Rachel is just a marvel.
A lot of the stuff we do to start with is warming up.
But then we progress onto standing, and some of that will be strength work, and some of that will be balance work.
I think that the fitness over the years has really helped.
As well as just that positivity.
She wanted to come along to make sure I was going to be okay, and we've been together, going every Friday for five years.
Yeah, I wasn't allowed to escape was I?
If you need something for support, the chair’s there beside you.
There’s a lot of people there who have benefited.
You'll get some of them saying how their balance is not so wobbly.
Sometimes you might fall over, but you can get up again.
We can get you stronger.
We can help you get back on your feet and enjoying life.
People are just there to enjoy themselves and mix with others.
You’re looking good David.
Oh, feeling not too bad.
Usually finishes at about 11:30 or 12.
Then Trishy and I will maybe go and have a bite to eat.
Not too hot?
So we’ll see a bit of each other on a Friday.
There's so many reasons to move.
It helps us breathe, keeps us fit.
We age well, if we keep moving well.
Good company, good music.
This is my best morning of the week.
It’s a space where you're invited. You're welcome.
Nau mai, haere mai.
Video transcript for the instructors: Lift the lid on strength and balance classes and what you can expect to experience.
Join our instructors as they guide you through the benefits of attending a strength and balance class and how they can help you stay active and independent for as long as possible.
Whether you're into boxing, tai chi, ballet, or yoga, there's something here for everyone. Don't let nervousness hold you back - find a strength and balance class near you and keep doing the things you love.
Our bodies, brains, systems all are designed to move.
Very good.
Because motion’s lotion and moving is the key.
We have a lot of laughs in our class our reception asks “What are you doing out there?”
If you guys feel like you need to stay seated, as always, the chair’s there for you.
There's so many reasons to move.
For things to function well, for joints to be happy and lubricated and bones to keep strong.
There's so much we can do with our bodies.
Just make sure you move it.
Movement and balance are really, really important.
Especially as we get older.
Main reason for doing it is to actually live independently for as long as possible.
One. Two. Three. Mauī
So our class is quite varied in ability.
So strength stuff that kind of includes a lot of leg work.
We definitely include upper body stuff because we still need that functional range of motion.
Being able to reach up to a cupboard and get your jar of jam down.
Instructor - You can always adjust how many pulls.
There's so many fun things we can do with our bodies.
There's people that like to go to boxing, tai chi, Pilates, yoga.
Reality, I just want to give people an opportunity to do something that they might feel is accessible to them.
I've got some little great grandchildren that I have to look after, and they keep us on our toes.
I'm glad that I went to the classes, because now, you know, I could just get up out of a chair like this.
There’s changes across the board in terms of transformation of people's lives.
The people in our class have built beautiful connections.
It's more about the relationships between the people than it is about the gear.
Yes do I look forward to this class.
I go in withdrawal if I haven’t got class.
They support me.
Just by their comments, man that picks me up.
How are you Doug?
Stay nervous and come.
Don’t let the nervousness put you off from coming, because when you get there, you'll find a welcoming person.
You'll find a great experience.
We can provide strength exercises.
We can make sure that they're tailored to fit you.
It's a space where you're invited.
You're welcome.
Nau mai, haere mai.
Join a strength and balance class and live stronger for longer.
We all want to keep doing the things we love - whether it’s walking the dog, gardening, meeting friends, or chasing after the grandkids. But as we age, our risk of falling increases, with one in three people over 65 injuring themselves in a fall, rising to one in two once they reach 80.
Falls are the most common cause of injury in New Zealand, accounting for nearly 40% of all ACC claims. The great news is most falls are preventable. Research shows that regular strength and balance training is one of the most effective, scientifically proven ways to reduce your risk.
That’s why ACC has launched the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ campaign, to raise awareness of Community Strength and Balance classes happening across the country. We designed these fun, friendly classes to help older adults build the strength and stability they need to stay independent, mobile and doing the things they love.
Through this campaign, we’re shining a light on real stories from people who take part in the classes, as well as the passionate instructors who run them. By showing what to expect and who it's for, we hope to encourage more people to step through the front door and give it a go.