Building fitness, confidence

Leaders of a Stawell aged-care facility are celebrating the installation of a gymnasium established from a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal grant.

Eventide Homes projects and marketing officer Toni Williams said the organisation had struggled to secure the gym equipment because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Williams said the facility would allow residents to exercise by themselves or with the support of an allied health worker.

“There is research that suggests encouraging residents to be active and to build up their strength and balance, has not only physical benefits, but also mental-health benefits,” she said.

“Under the direction of our onsite physiotherapy team, specific exercise regimes have been developed for residents interested in building their strength, balance and general fitness.”

Eventide physiotherapist Simon Kerrigan said the gym had been running for about eight weeks.

Mr Kerrigan said each resident had a personal gym program and membership and there had been positive feedback about the new equipment.

“We have seen improvement in fitness levels of the residents,” he said.

“They said they are feeling more confident, and stronger.”

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER Eventide Homes residents are getting fit thanks to a new gymnasium. Physiotherapist Simon Kerrigan puts residents Margaret Jess, front, June Mcclure, left, and Norma Supple through a workout.