Balancing act works for senior

Gym seeking older participants

TOOWOOMBA’S Heather Waters is amazed at her progress after more than 12 months working out at Allstar Gymnastics.

The Gowrie Junction resident, who has Parkinson’s Disease, has noticed a massive improvement in her balance and movement after being part of the city’s first gymnastics program designed for seniors.

Participants in the Allstars Stronger Seniors program at the gym’s base in Toowoomba City work on spring floors and use actually gymnastics equipment to work on strength, balance and coordination.

Program coordinator Tegan Morris said the concept showed age didn’t have to be a factor in self-improvement.

“We have done about four years of this and we are actually the first club in Queensland that started a program like this,” she said.

“This program is the only one in a gym, so they actually get access to the spring floors, the beams, all of the equipment we can provide.

“Some of the members even get on the trampolines, they get on the ropes - it’s insane what they can actually do.

“Our oldest member is 90 and he does not look 90 at all.”

Ms Waters said balance on her feet had been an issue, but the gym work was starting to show results.

“Balance is always difficult I’ve noticed an improvement,” she said.

Gillespie Photo: Tom MORE BALANCE: Toowoomba senior Heather Waters, who has Parkinson’s Disease, works on her balance with Allstar Gymnastics’ exercise scientist Frankie Devitt as part of a gym class for older residents.