A collaboration between Lower Hunter’s Integrated Living and Cessnock gym Total Fitness is helping local people living with dementia stay fit and healthy.
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For the past two months, clients of the Dementia Advisory Service (DAS) have been taking part in a special work out program at Total Fitness, designed to improve muscle and core strength as well as coordination.
The group of men aged between 60 and 85, all work out once a week with Total Fitness owner and trainer Alayne Rohr, who said that their progress both physically and mentally has been amazing.
“We really focus on their balance, coordination and developing their muscle memory,” she said.
“It has been a really interesting process and they all have different issues that we have been able to focus on.
“Their fitness levels have just gone through the roof.
“They have really doubled their output from when they first started.”
Dementia Advisor Lynne Warner said that while the men are all at varying stages of dementia onset, they all benefit from the regular exercise.
“This is a new program for us and for the gym but it is something we hope will continue to grow,” she said.
“The men are able to have a go and various exercise, from bikes to boxing, and we have seen some great improvements.
“It is also very good for their state of mind.”
Lynne said that the program will re-commence in February next year.
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Integrated Living DAS provides support for people living with dementia as well as their carers and family including information, education, counselling and advocacy.
For more information on all of their services, call 1300 782 896.