SAIL is an evidence based strength, balance, and flexibility fitness program for adults 65+ focusing on falls prevention. SAIL has been proven to help improve the quality of life if attended regularly. The core feature of a SAIL Program is a community-based fitness class that meets 3 times weekly for one hour. The fitness class includes warm-up, aerobics, balance, strength training, and stretching exercises that can be done in a seated or standing position. Periodic Fitness Checks track general mobility, arm strength, and leg strength. Two SAIL Guides provide written education that focuses on falls prevention. An Advanced Certification for SAIL Program Leaders provides the “master trainer” designation to support and disseminate SAIL Programs in a geographic region.

• Target audience: Adults 65 years and older
• Health outcomes: Physical function test results shows significant improvements in strength, balance, and mobility in those who were below normal limits at baseline, and in those who attended classes twice a week or more for more than 2 months.
• Delivered by: 1 trained lay leader/facilitator per class size up to 15 participants. Trained leaders may include fitness instructors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, certified fitness instructors, etc.
• Program type: Group
• Format: In-person in community
• Length: Ongoing. SAIL can be ongoing or if specified by a grant, a designated number of weeks. The class sessions are 1-hour, 2 to 3 times a week.
• Training: 
  • in-person
  • Online training available through Pierce College
  • Instructor training is 8 hours and recertification is required every 5 years
• Professional required: Yes, a background in fitness or exercise science is preferred for SAIL Program Leaders but is not required. Current CPR certification is required. A background in fitness or exercise science is required for the Advanced Certification for SAIL Program Leaders.
• Accessibility Adaptations: Yes, SAIL can be done at all levels of ability, sitting or standing and is described in our manuals both ways.
• Cultural Adaptations: N/A
• Available languages other than English: Manuals are available in Spanish, Korean, and Somali
• Topic(s):
  • Physical Activity
  • Falls Prevention
  • Pain Management
• Contact:  Sandy Gatlin, SAIL Master Trainer

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