‘Home gym’ keeps Kingsleigh residents fit and active

Home news

Jul 29, 2011

Kingsleigh residents are showing that sports are not just for the young, with the launch of their new gym.

Residents and day centre visitors can now maintain life-long passions for competitive sport with equipment and exercises specially designed to keep them physically and mentally in shape.

Activities co-ordinator Pauline Dolan said: “Keeping active is vital to overall well-being as we get older. By keeping suppleness and strength, the risk of falls can be greatly reduced.

“Exercises that promote hand-eye co-ordination and boost circulation are also good for keeping the brain in tip-top shape.”

The gym equipment includes a treadmill, mini seated steppers and exercise bikes. As well as using the machines residents are also taking part in seated netball, softball tennis and indoor golf and many are carrying on the sports they loved before they moved into the home.

Pauline said: “We have several keen hockey players. We clear out the furniture from the lounge and dining room and play three- or four-a-side. They have a whale of a time and other residents join in, cheering from the side lines.

“We also have a demon table tennis player who enjoys taking on all comers. When he runs out of players, we put the table against the wall and he plays against himself. He can go on for hours - it’s no wonder he is so fit and such an excellent player!”