Opens in a new tab

Strength for every body

Strength for Life is a trusted range of affordable fitness programs for older Australians.

Strength for Life supports Australians aged 50+ years to stay strong, active, and connected through tailored, evidence-based exercise programs. Whether you're looking to join a class, become an instructor, or run a program at your centre, there's a way for everybody to get involved and make a difference in helping people live well at every age.
Learn More
Learn More

What is Strength for Life?

Led by expert instructors, Strength for Life offers a variety of programs delivered in gyms and community centres, making it easy to get involved in a way that suits your goals and lifestyle.

Strength for Life is a popular way for Australians aged 50+ (40+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from refugee backgrounds) to stay active, support their wellbeing, and connect with others in a friendly, welcoming environment.  Join in and discover how moving more can help you feel your best.

Programs to suit you

Our programs are tailored to your needs, with expert guidance and a welcoming community.

From strength-building classes to gentle seated sessions, balance training, and aqua fitness, there’s a Strength for Life program to suit every ability and lifestyle. Programs are run in selected gyms and community centres, in friendly, welcoming spaces. You’ll have the chance to connect with others too, whether it’s during class or over a coffee afterward.

More than just exercise

When you participate in a Strength for Life program, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits:

Expert supervision
Qualified fitness instructors, sometimes exercise physiologists, oversee every session to ensure safe and effective exercise.
Structured sessions
Enjoy supervised, progressive strength training twice weekly at set times, helping you build a consistent routine.
Detailed assessment
Start with an assessment by a fitness professional (often an exercise physiologist) to determine your needs and fitness level.
Personalised programs
Get a tailored exercise program based on your unique goals, abilities, and health considerations.
Safe & accessible
Exercise in a welcoming, safe environment for those 50+, featuring safety guidelines and risk protocols.
Social connection
Socialise with fellow participants before and after sessions, building a friendly, supportive community.
Barry Elsey OAM
Attending for 2 years
Strike Force Fitness Prospect

I have been attending Strength for Life for about two years. I enjoy the program very much, especially the quality instructors for their technical know-how and user friendly style. A mark of success is when members enjoy a chat over coffee afterwards! A sense of belonging is a key feature of Strength for Life. Thank you COTA SA.

Read More
Chris Mussell
Attending for 3 years
ECH Wellness Henley Beach

I have a small cleaning business, and I know that the Strength for Life program has enabled me to continue; it helps keep up my energy and gives my the strength in my body to sustain me while working.

Read More
Susan McDonald
1-2 sessions per week
Turramurra Rec Centre

The changes in my overall strength and fitness have improved dramatically, my balance was shot, and I couldn’t get down or off floor, but I can do all this now.

My illness made me very tired, and this has improved dramatically. I just feel so much better in myself and now enjoy being part of life.

Read More
Bernadette Moore
Stay Strong participant
Anytime Fitness, Para Hills West

Such a wonderful, caring bunch of individuals, lead by our brilliant trainers, Anna & Rheese!

Read More
Sharon Evans
Attending for 3 years
Unley Community Centre

I noticed towards the end of the first 12 months that my strength in my legs was very much improved, my balance had improved, I am much stronger and active. I now attend 2 classes per week. My walking is much more improved.

Read More
Susan McGuire
Attending 2 sessions per week for the last 4 years
Pro Health Care Hope Valley

Keeping my muscles strong gives me confidence when out walking and in the garden. In my view, Strength for Life significantly helps me maintain my independence and has reduced my falls; I have actually had none since joining Strength for Life.

Read More

What people love

Every week, participants at more than 100 locations stay active, maintain their wellbeing and socialise at regular sessions.

Instructors & providers

Access a range of tools to help you successfully deliver programs and support your participants.

Strength for Life is delivered by a dedicated network of accredited Providers—organisations like recreation centres, gyms, and community hubs—that host the program.

These providers host qualified Instructors, who are the fitness and allied health professionals with specialised Strength for Life training that lead the sessions, assess participants, and design their personal programs.
Ben
Director
EM Therapy & Support

We are stoked with how the programs are going!

Read More
Dennis O’Donnell
Stay Strong Tier 2 instructor
Viva Fitness, Kidman Park SA

More than exercise! Building strength, confidence and community.

Read More
Jeanette Richards
Stay Strong Tier 1 Instructor

Thanks for a great training session. You are doing an amazing job and I love all the new improvements you are making.

Read More
Sharon Chamberlain
Tier 2 provider & instructor
Murray Bridge, SA

The rewards from the program are incredible! My advice is to just give it a go!

Read More

Making a difference

Hear from providers and instructors about the impact of the program, and the rewards of helping older South Australians live stronger, healthier lives.

Latest news

Find out about the latest program developments, upcoming events, success stories, and health tips.

A warm welcome with Proactive Health
Strength for Life is a great way to improve your strength, balance and confidence with exercise! Our Strength for Life providers offer a welcoming and supportive environment for older adults to stay active and work [...]
Read More
Celebrating new Stay Strong Instructors
We celebrated with these new Stay Strong Tier 2 Instructors this month! Our Stay Strong Instructors undertake extensive training to provide individualised programming to suit your needs. Our next face to face training is Better [...]
Read More
An instructor and participant performing gentle chair based exercises
Turning Passion into Action with Strength for Life Easy Moves
We warmly welcome new Easy Moves instructor, Tanya owner of Massage for Inner Health and we're pleased to share her Instructor journey in her own words: I have worked in community wellbeing for many years, [...]
Read More
A warm welcome with Proactive Health
Strength for Life is a great way to improve your strength, balance and confidence with exercise! Our Strength for Life providers offer a welcoming and supportive environment for older adults to stay active and work [...]
Read More
Celebrating new Stay Strong Instructors
We celebrated with these new Stay Strong Tier 2 Instructors this month! Our Stay Strong Instructors undertake extensive training to provide individualised programming to suit your needs. Our next face to face training is Better [...]
Read More

Join our community

Get the latest info, news and exclusive offers!

We’ll only send you relevant emails about Strength For Life, affiliated groups and programs.