By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
AGE or ill health are no longer excuses to get out of exercise, as far as YMCA fitness instructor Tegan Purser is concerned.
Ms Purser is running Heartmoves, a new Heart Foundation program for people who have health-risk factors, who are overweight or have a stable chronic illness.
People with high cholesterol or blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes could still enjoy the benefits of physical activity in a safe, fun and social environment, she said.
“You don’t have to get fit first to survive this exercise program. Heartmoves shows how easy it is to start moving,” Ms Purser said.
The specially designed exercise program could be tailored to the needs of participants allowing for easy and enjoyable sessions that don’t strain the body, she said.
“It makes exercise fun and gets even the most sedentary people up and moving,” Ms Purser vowed.
“The program focuses on delivering safe, low-to-moderate-intensity work-outs incorporating gentle aerobic movements, weight-bearing or resistance exercise and stretching.
“All this helps improve strength, balance and self-confidence. It’s also a great way to meet new people.”
Heartmoves participant Rose, 71, has been doing the program for more than two years.
“I had suffered a stroke and the doctor recommended that I do some exercise to help me with my muscles that were affected by the stroke,” she said.
“I used to use a stick for walking and thanks to Heartmoves I don’t use the stick at all anymore. My bad leg has really improved and my balance is so much better.
“The instructor always helps me if I need to change the exercise and she also explains why we are doing each exercise. This helps me to understand the benefits of coming along to the class.
“We all swap recipes and books and we enjoy a coffee after the class every week, so it makes it very social.”
Heartmoves begins at Bannockburn Recreation Centre on Tuesday and YMCA’s Newtown Stadium on Thursday, with bookings available by phoning 5221 8344.
