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Chair-based Exercise Group
Chair-based Exercise Group
Barkuma has focused heavily over the last 18 months on improving the health and physical fitness of employees of our Australian Disability Enterprises.
Our Kickstart Project that was funded by the Department of Health and Ageing gave employees the opportunity to receive education on a variety of issues such as dental care, diabetes awareness, healthy eating, heart health and giving up smoking.
In addition employees were given the opportunity to become involved in some physical activities such as yoga, walking groups and gym fitness. A number of employees who have physical limitations that result from their age and/or disability found that they unable to participate in these options yet were experiencing pain and mobility issues and were keen to be involved in some physical activity.
We applied for a grant through the Office for Recreation and Sport through their Inclusive Recreation Inclusive Sport Program (IRIS) to enable this group of people to participate in exercise that catered to their physical needs. Participants were offered weekly chair-based exercise classes for a period of 6 months. Our instructors were qualified personal trainers who had experience working with people with disabilities.
12 people attended these classes. The youngest participant was 38 years old and the eldest 71 years old. All had mobility and balance issues. 2 were confined to wheelchairs whilst another 5 used walking frames. Feedback was sought from participants as to the benefits of the program.
In summary, all participants interviewed enjoyed the classes, felt that it helped them and liked the instructors we employed to lead the classes.
Supervisors commented that all participants were keen to go when told it was time for the class. They had noticed increased flexibility and fewer complaints about pain/stiffness in several employees. They had also received some positive feedback from the parents of one employee who commented that she was teaching them!
For further information on making physical activity a regular part of your lifestyle visit www.beactive.com.au
