RSVP Wellness Leader

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Interested in Health and Wellness?

Want a Volunteer Opportunity to help you Stay Active and Fit?

Join RSVP as a Wellness Leader

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, balance, and fitness class for adults 55 and older. As we get older, doing regular strength, balance, and flexibility exercises protects our health and independence, and helps prevent falls. Regular exercise is a great way to relieve stress, sleep better, get more energy, and grow stronger. There is no better way to feel accountable and be consistent than teaching the exercises to others. You will also have an opportunity to meet great people and make new friends.

SAIL - STAY ACTIVE AND INDEPENDENT FOR LIFE - Program Overview

SAIL is an evidence-based program for older adults developed by the Washington State Department of Health. The hour-long classes conducted twice a week include a warm-up, low impact aerobics, balance exercises, strength training with hand-weights and ankle-weights, stretching exercises, and an educational component.

The program is able to accommodate people with a mild level of mobility difficulty and those who are regularly active. All exercises and aerobics can be done sitting or standing and are very adaptive.

The exercises focus on improving flexibility, bone and muscle strength, balance, and overall fitness. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness are the most important activities that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chance of falling.

AmeriCorps Seniors, Volunteers of America, MN is proud to sponsor SAIL and facilitate the program across 11 counties. SAIL classes are led by trained volunteers, all 55 years and over who are active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). By following a volunteer model of presentation, along with generous grant funding and free use of space, the SAIL program is available free of charge to all participants, and all necessary equipment is provided.

A natural outcome of these fun classes is the beneficial social interaction provided along with the exercise. Contact the RSVP Program Coordinator noted below to learn more!

About the SAIL Program A typical 60-minute exercise class includes the following:

• Warm Up
• Aerobics
• Mandatory Balance Exercises
• Mandatory Strength Exercises (Arms and Legs)
• Cool Down Stretching while talking about an educational topic

Some Benefits to YOU include: Develop and maintain an active lifestyle, engaging in a positive volunteer experience, travel reimbursement, volunteer recognition events, helping others see the benefits of an active lifestyle, and gain more community connections. All classes can be taught virtually. Once classes resume in person, the locations will be determined within the Metro Area.

Contact Dagmar Koch at 612-704-6114 or dagmar.koch@voamn.org for more information!