FITNESS FUN: Physiotherapist Matoula Wicks takes Healesville resident Bev Gould through weight training while Jim Parke pedals on in the back ground.AS WE get older, we begin to lose muscular strength. By the age of 70 people have about a third of the strength and muscle mass they once had.
Strength training or progressive resistance training has been found to counteract the physiological effects of ageing on our bodies and can improve our health and ability to perform everyday activities.
“Research studies have found that strength training is beneficial with many various populations, including those with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, chronic pain, mild to moderate heart failure and depression, to name a few,” Jane Judd, manager of Yarra Valley Community Health Service said.
Ms Judd said increasing physical activity has many benefits that people may not have considered.
“We all know that it is a great way to build strength and cardiovascular fitness, but we forget that physical activity has many other benefits. Increasing your physical activity can help with weight management, diabetes management, it can also help to increase appetite and gastrointestinal activity. It can also improve your general mood and sense of wellbeing.”
Group exercise, in particular, is also a great way to meet new people and socialise.
YVCHS has been running strength training programs since 2001. Every client has a physiotherapy assessment before the program and an individualised exercise program is developed by the physiotherapist. An allied health community development worker supervises every session.
Ms Judd said clients need to be able to work independently through an exercise program under supervision. If clients are physically frail, or too unsteady on their feet, YVCHS has other exercise programs that may be more appropriate.
YVCHS has started a new program at Warburton, at the Warburton/Millgrove Sports Complex.
The program will run every Thursday commencing this month.
“We are very grateful to Rob Morter and the Warburton/Millgrove Sports Club committee for their support of this program by providing such a great venue,” Ms Judd said.
For further information and to book, phone YVCHS on 1300 130 381.
