Greater movement in shoulder.

Joint areas that were deteriorating have definitely improved.

More strength in legs.

My social interaction with people has improved.

It puts an exercise routine in my week that wasn’t there before - and a discipline for exercise that was previously lacking.

Not sitting down as often. More energy, happier and more positive attitude.

Stronger-more flexible. Made a few friends as well.

I can now walk down stairs normally again, can walk more than twice as far as I could before the program and it is still increasing. My body feels 4-5 years younger than it did.

Already recommended program to friend in wheelchair. I can bend easier, e.g. to put on socks is easier.

Going up and down stairs noticeably easier. My broken ankle from 2016 is a lot more flexible.

Overall, I feel better mentally and physically. It is a very good program to get you into a physical routine and keep moving. Exercises of this kind are always a positive step for me to keep me healthy.

Routine excellent for motivation to continue. It is great that it has no cost!! Huge bonus. I had a complete tear mcl knee. 4 months in full leg brace before starting Geri-Fit. Range of motion, ability to bend the knee really improved as did hamstring strength and pain (now no pain).

I also wanted to say that this program has been incredibly valuable to me as a recently retired and widowed female who after decades of child rearing and working at a desk, never attended a gym or keep-fit class in my life. Now at age 69, I came to realize that I was paying for my previous lifestyle and needed to do "something". Investigating local gyms there wasn't really a class that seemed to fit my needs and age.

Geri-Fit has been perfect and not only do I feel more confident in building strength, it has done my mental health a world of good as well.

I feel like I am finally doing something worthwhile to improve my situation. I think using the library network is very valuable and the convenors at the library have been wonderful, never pushing one beyond their current abilities and always very supportive and cheerful. This has been vital for my continuance with the program.

Thank you very much for sponsoring this project and I am incredibly happy to know that our library is going to continue with this program.

Increased flexibility and reduced stiffness in shoulders. Biceps getting bigger.

With our teacher/leader, I found the classes most helpful. She is so encouraging and there to help make our classes enjoyable with positive results.

I can do a triceps extension over my head now. I couldn’t do this before Geri-Fit!

Better range of movement in shoulder. Increase strength in quads.

Have already recommended program. Met some lovely people and the facilitator was wonderful. So helpful.

Non-judgmental environment. So happy I was part of this group.

I am now motivated to exercise more frequently.

Was diagnosed with early onset dementia and coordination with arm movements was not good at the start. But with practice and 12 weeks, we all saw a wonderful difference.

I am 69 and had a fall Sept 2023 in wet bathroom. Left hip took ages to get better and right knee a meniscus tear. Very painful knee and I tend to try not to "twist it." Geri-Fit and walking has really improved strength.

I thought the separate room at library was a good space. Group exercising is something I enjoyed and looked forward to. I find gyms daunting and I feel out of place at my age and ability.

50% improvement in ability to rise from a couch or kneeling position. Arm extension above head without pain.

I thought my left shoulder was weakest. I was wrong. These sessions showed greater weakness in my right shoulder. This was a surprise to me. I can now work on this.

Social benefit as some of us have become isolated due to career responsibilities.

I think that the library is the perfect setting for Geri-Fit. The staff are particularly welcoming. The venue has parking on site. Plus I can use the library facilities before or after the program.

Cognition improvement. Willingness to try new things.

I am not as motivated to do the exercises and stretches at home as I am in a group setting. Also, I enjoy the company of other participants.

I had many nights of disturbed sleep because of what I suspect is caused by carpal tunnel in my left wrist. Now the upper arm pain is lots better. My doctor said any exercise that strengthens my wrist is beneficial.

I feel so much better both physically and mentally. I enjoyed the small group setting and met some lovely people.

Good program. Price was right. Potential for social connection.

I have managed to maintain my levels despite bilateral full thickness tears in shoulders, previous whiplash injury, 4x spinal surgeries, complex ptsd. Thanks to all the library staff involved, always courteous.

My flexibility has definitely improved. For example, with the seated quadriceps stretch, at the beginning, I had to grab the back of my shoe, but by halfway through these 12 weeks, I could clasp the front of my ankle with my hand. The improvement in flexibility and balance means I now can put on long pants in a standing position without needing support.
[Editor's note: Geri-Fit does not recommend putting on pants while standing. We suggest putting on pants while being seated (safer and less chance of falling).]

Have MS, so balance always issue. Regular exercise in a friendly environment has been good for my mobility and wellbeing.

It was good gentle exercise and friendship building. Would recommend for anyone who is new to exercise and just starting out. Great comradery and I will continue to do the exercises and try to involve my husband.

I feel the organizers were amazing, professional, empathetic to the different levels of fitness in our group. Thank you for organizing this course.

Fabulous. General feeling of wellbeing.

There was no pressure to keep up with anyone else and I like how it was closely supervised making sure exercises were done correctly. I have bought a stretch band and will continue to use it most days. Very enjoyable while exercising.

Geri-Fit has meant we have met and spoken to people who want to prevent the problems that getting older brings to all of us. The last three months have been well worthwhile and we hope to keep up the Geri-Fit program at home. I now know that I have a stiff right hip and shoulder.

I really enjoyed the classes I attended.

Improved flexibility of my left knee. I have had four arthroscopic surgeries and flexibility in the knee was hampered. It is better now.

Working out with other people makes it easier to get motivated and keep going. I get out of bed and get started for the day easier.

Feeling better in my movement. Feeling happier and sleeping better.

I found my leg muscles improved greatly.

An awareness of the need for continual strength training for legs for balance and upper body for posture and ease of reaching/carrying.

The most noticeable difference is strengthening of quads. I can now stand from seated position, squat or seated on floor much more easily.

I was quite fit before I started, so not able to say for sure that I improved in some areas but certainly didn’t get worse.

Fitness level increased. Motivated me to do more fitness workout at home.

Greater optimism in my ability to maintain good physical health, including maintaining good mobility.

Increased motivation to be active. Decreased pain in some areas. Feeling more mobile throughout the body.