Who Teaches the Programs?
Osteofit instructors have taken specialized training from BC Women’s Health Centre. Instructors are required to maintain certification with professional development workshops. The Instructor to participant ratio is low to allow more individualized attention.
The exercises are chosen for their effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls, decreasing the rate of bone loss, strengthening muscles and improving posture. Modifications and varying intensity levels are taught so that participants work at their own level.
How much does it cost?
Facilities offering Osteofit classes set the cost of the programs depending on number of participants and number of classes. Please contact the facility directly.
How Osteofit stays current
Based on published research and best practices, Osteofit is supported by clinical specialists at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre’s (BC Women’s) Osteoporosis Program.
Our specially trained instructors have access to the clinical team of doctors, a nurse clinician, physiotherapist, and dietitian who provide on-going support to the program.
BC Women’s offers continuing education workshops for registered Osteofit instructors several times per year at little or no cost. Topics include updated information on nutrition for health, a review of exercises for the management of osteoporosis, contra-indicated exercises, modifications to exercise for postural compromises, and the latest research on physical activity for health.
Osteofit instructors are required to maintain a high level of competency and re-registration is required every two years.
Osteofit instructors must successfully complete an Instructor Competency Evaluation (ICE) every three years.
Researchers from the UBC Bone Health Research Centre also provide input to the program. Studies are undertaken periodically to assess the effectiveness of Osteofit. Results from these studies directly impact the content and delivery of the program.
BC Women’s regularly collect data on program participation, reasons for participation, and if objectives are being realized. This information also translates directly to program modifications.
