Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘Without this gym I’d be in a coffin by now’
Often the haunt of sweaty, muscle-pumping men and lithe, lycra-clad women, the gym can be an intimidating place for those at the other end of the spectrum.
But a different kind of fitness centre in Canterbury is helping those who, because of their health or age, are not striving for the body beautiful and require a less strenuous regime.
The Gentle Gym at the Renaissance Fitness and Wellbeing Centre was set up by physiotherapist Helen Madzokere, who realised through her work that a considerable number of people would benefit from a different approach.
Her idea developed when she found a special kind of exercise equipment which works with the user to create the exact resistance they need.
She opened her gym in Dover Street in 2012 and now has about 100 members, many of whom visit several times a week. She also works in partnership with the city council’s fitness centre operator, Active Life.
The users are largely older people who are recovering from illness, injury or an operation, as well as those with conditions like Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
She said: “Many of my clients would simply not go to a mainstream gym because they would feel too intimidated.
“They are not striving for perfect bodies but to improve their mobility, strength and stamina in a more gentle way.
“It can be a vicious circle for some stuck at home, perhaps recovering from illness, an operation or injury, but feeling like they can’t get the right exercise.
“But the way our equipment works assists the user to just the right level they need. People with Parkinson’s have found it improves their balance, for example.”
For users like Carolyn Brenchley, 72, who founded the Abbey Physic Community Gardens at Faversham, the Gentle Gym has literally been a lifesaver.
Her health problems started after she suffered a bad fall three years ago.
“I found myself just sat at home smoking and my breathing just got worse,” she said. “But since I started at the gym about three times a week, I feel so much better. Without it, I think I would be in my coffin now.”
Retired hairdresser, Edna Furness, 73, from Thanington suffers with diabetes and arthritis and was advised to lose weight.
“I wouldn’t go to a normal gym but the Gentle Gym suits me and I feel have felt the benefit,” she said.
Semi- retired consultant anaesthetist Michelle Hamer, 65, from Chartham, is also a fan.
“It’s absolutely brilliant,” she said. “I am so much fitter and the atmosphere is so friendly.”
Retired geography teacher Diana Pearce, 74, who lives in Old Dover Road, says she also has the Gentle Gym to thank for helping her recover from a heart condition, which resulted in her having a pacemaker fitted.
“I use the treadmill and have gradually been able to increase the distance and seen a big improvement,” she said.
Former Whitbread area manager Rob Hawkes, 66, from Sturry has a chronic lung disorder and used to become breathless very quickly.
“I afraid it’s a legacy of smoking for 40 years and I could barely walk up the stairs,” he said.
But his visits four times a week to the Gentle Gym over the last two years have seen a big improvement in his respiratory function.
“I’ve lost a couple of stone too, which is a bonus,” he said. “I think without this gym I could have ended up housebound.”
For more information about the Gentle Gym call 01227 479476 or visit www.activelifeltd.co.uk/thegentle-gym-in-canterbury