Club required for free fitness project

FORMER WEXFORD camogie player Deirdre Codd is looking for a club interested in running a six-week exercise programme in their local facility, with the help of a personal trainer. She will supply the programme lay-out and exercise videos, pre- and post-assessment equipment, exercise bands, educational videos and brain-teaser games.

Last year as part of her W.G.P.A. Jim Madden course, the Duffry Rovers club member rolled out a one-hour ‘Get Strong Live Long’ strength and flexibility exercise class for 20 adults, in the range of 55-65 year-olds for six consecutive weeks.

All of the exercises use either a rope, loop bands (for leg exercises) or a type of flexible stretching band called ‘terabands’. The terabands/loops are of four different strengths/resistance so it’s easy for participants of all standards to select the resistance that they require to feel the stretch.

The class was 40 minutes long, carried out by a qualified personal trainer, Sinéad Ronan, and it was followed by 20 minutes of either educational or mental learnings.

Pre- and post-assessments were undertaken on the first and last week, so participants could see how well they improved after the six weeks. The participants, most of whom normally walked to keep fit, had never taken part in an exercise class before.

They really enjoyed the classes and said they would recommend it as they felt it had improved their health. This was proven in the assessment results.

The aim was for a 10% increase of both strength and flexibility, but this was shattered by 34% and 25% respectively which was amazing to see.

The best way to prevent scaropenia - a muscle degeneration condition that affects all adults over the age of 50 - is to start resistance training which is what the programme is all about, and ideal for building bone density for anyone with arthritis problems.

If your club is interested in carrying out this free programme, please e-mail getstrong2018@gmail.com or phone Deirdre on 087-9107157.