Sweetgrass Fitness

The InMotion Network has supported the Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre to offer physical activity, fitness and recreation through their ongoing Sweetgrass Fitness program.  The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre (EASC), through the Sweetgrass Fitness program offers a range of weekly indoor and outdoor physical activities to choose from for low or no cost. Staff and Volunteers attended for support, guidance, and to ensure the safety of participants. In addition transportation is provided for all of the activities. This unique program is always planning for all to participate and all activities planned and scheduled always consider age and physical abilities into account. In-house activities such as yoga were accessible by offering chair yoga, and modifications to poses for those who needed either more of a challenge or less.

Although the EASC is an Indigenous Centre, they welcome and include anyone who expresses interest in participation. For instance, they have had several new Canadians who like to come to the program because the programs are close to their homes and the programming meets their needs. EASC works to ensure everyone is included and when planning events and activities,  the accessibility of the space/venues is considered to ensure that the activity will not only be inclusive but also safe for the participants.

2024 Program

Activities were held indoors and outdoors; participants were able to choose physical activities from low to no cost. Weekly activities included a variety of physical fitness activities such as: aquafit, tai chi, bowling, line dancing, axe throwing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and walking excursions at Hermitage Lake, River Valley and nature walks at Elk Island park. Activities were aimed at promoting holistic wellness among seniors. EASC arranges transportation for all participants as required for each activity at a different venue. EASC also provides water and nutritious snacks for participants who did not bring their own. The program provides a supportive and inclusive environment for participants to connect with peers as well as a sense of community, essential for combating social isolation among seniors. Participants mentioned they particularly enjoyed the axe throwing activity this season.

Few key reflections from this program:

• Having activities to choose from that helped improve balance, flexibility, reducing the risk of falls was well received. By the participants.
• Mental Clarity: promoted mental focus, concentration, and mindfulness, contributing to improved cognitive function and mental well-being.
• Important to have a supportive and inclusive environment for participants to connect with peers as well as a sense of community, this was essential for combating social isolation among seniors.