PHYSIOCARE TWYFORD
T 0118 934 4055
E physio@physiocare.co.uk
PHYSIOCARE EARLEY
T 0118 966 4585
E physio@physiocares.co.uk
PHYSIOCARE NEWS & EVENTS
New style gym offers safe exercise for all ages and abilities
If you think that clocking up the miles on the treadmill, pumping iron and sweating it out down the gym are the preserve of the super-sleek, lycra-clad twenty somethings, think again. A new style gym in Twyford aims to shatter the illusion that only those in their prime can follow a rigorous exercise regime.
The Body Management Gym at Physiocare describes itself as a “gym for all ages and abilities”. Set up and run by Chartered Physiotherapists, the focus at the gym is on one-to-one sessions to get you exercising safely and effectively, before they let you loose on your own.
The theory is that whatever your age, fitness level or exercise goals, whether retired with arthritic conditions, a teenage long-distance runner with specific training needs, or a new mum looking to get back into shape, the physios will create a programme to work on your fitness in a safe, controlled environment.
Chartered Physiotherapist and Practice Owner Elizabeth Jones said: “We have treated thousands of patients over the last sixteen years and have regularly encountered conditions that had been aggravated and, in some cases, caused by poor technique or inappropriate exercise. The initial idea was to develop a gym to use as part of our exercise therapy, but we soon realised that there was a need for a wider, membership style service.”
Membership of the gym includes an all-important starter programme, which involves an in-depth assessment with a physio and three further one-to-one sessions to build an appropriate exercise plan. Be warned – all new members are required to go through the programme before they can start to exercise independently. Those hoping for an initial induction and then a quiet life of popping in when they have a moment need not apply.
The Body Management Gym is most definitely for those who are serious about exercise, but want the guidance of specialist help to make sure they are getting it right. Further help is provided by an on-site physio at all times and additional one-to-one sessions are available according to individual needs.
Maidenhead MP Theresa May recently met some members of the new gym, including the oldest member, commenting: “This is a fantastic initiative to get everyone in the community exercising safely, no matter how old or fit. We are regularly confronted with frightening statistics on obesity, particularly in our children, and our aging population is on the increase. With facilities like The Body Management Gym, we are ensuring that those who might not feel comfortable joining a standard gym have access to great facilities and appropriate support.”
Aged 85, Mrs. Edna Ansell of Wargrave has been using the gym three times a week, despite having had surgery to replace both knees. Edna, originally following a rehabilitation programme as part of her physio treatment, heard about the option to become a member of the Body Management Gym and decided to snap up the opportunity. “It’s great that I can come down here and know that I am exercising in a way that improves my fitness and helps prevent further injuries or conditions. The people here are always friendly and supportive and I wouldn’t want to exercise anywhere else.” Edna is regularly accompanied by her neighbour and friend, Mrs Margaret Johnson (aged 71) who has also suffered with knee and back problems in the past.
The gym has the usual modern exercise equipment and facilities you would expect in a gym, including treadmill, rower and cross trainer, and a great deal that you would not. In particular, the ‘reformer’ machine is a piece of equipment used for Pilates training favoured by the Royal Ballet, Tiger Woods and a host of other celebrities. Other unusual pieces of equipment include the Trapeze and a range of specialist equipment to assist with balance and core strength. The gym also offers group and individual Pilates classes, circuit training and other specialist courses.
The Body Management Gym has a small and friendly feel to it, with spaces limited to a maximum of four at any one time. This offers a number of benefits. It makes sure that the gym is never crowded and busy and allows the duty physio to provide a good level of support to members during their session. It also forces you to commit to a training time, the theory being that we are more likely to actually turn up and train if we have an ‘appointment’ time.
Elizabeth Jones concluded: “We are not like other gyms. At Physiocare, we firmly believe in prevention once any underlying condition has been corrected. The Body Management Gym provides just that; a safe and appropriate way to exercise that will help prevent injuries or recurrent conditions.”
For more information, contact Physiocare on 0118 934 4055