What the SAIL Program Is

SAIL stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life. It’s an evidence-based fitness program designed to help seniors gain strength, stamina and steadiness, which in turn helps them maintain or regain their independence.

Durst and his colleague Tasha Spencer, a Physical Therapist Assistant, received training from the national SAIL organization and launched the local program in 2022.

New participants first receive medical clearance from their primary care providers. Then, at the first SAIL session, Durst and Spencer guide them in doing three simple tests to measure their starting strength and coordination levels.

First, they do a walking test called Timed Up & Go. Sitting in a chair, they stand and walk 10 feet then turn around, walk back and sit down again. The number of seconds this takes is recorded.

Second, they do a 30-second chair test. Again, starting from a seated position, they stand and sit down repeatedly as many times as possible in 30 seconds. This number is also written down.

Finally, they do bicep curls holding two-pound weights in each hand. The number of curls they can do in 30 seconds is recorded.

“These simple measurements are easy to do and give us a baseline for each participant,” Durst said. “There’s no pressure to have any level of fitness to start from. We’re just meeting each person where they are to begin with.”

Participants then attend two one-hour classes a week for 12 weeks at Prowers Medical Center. The class meets on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:45 to 12:45. The total cost is $30. Classes are led by Durst and Spencer and include a variety of gentle, supervised exercises that can be done sitting or standing and are modified as needed depending on the abilities of each person.

Why Participants Love SAIL

Participants love SAIL because it works. Once a month, Durst’s team remeasures each participants’ strength and coordination.

“It’s surprising how much people improve month over month,” Durst said. “Even among our group members who have continued for a year—they are still improving. Participants notice how much steadier on their feet they become. They feel safer because they are less likely to fall or stumble, and they’re able to do a lot more in general than they could before joining SAIL.”

And then there’s the social aspect. “All of us—participants and instructors—have so much fun in class,” Durst said. “Plus the members are so welcoming to new participants. People enjoy getting out of the house and meeting up with the group. It’s just a good time.”