Redland exercise classes to help women overcome health hurdles
- Release Date: 8/11/2004
- Media Contact: Miranda Hunt 0410 417 790
Mater Private Hospital Redland is hosting a number of exercise classes open to the Bayside community in January 2005 designed specifically to address the health concerns of women under the guidance of a health professional, Physiotherapist Michelle Kenway.
The classes are tailored to suit the changing needs of a woman's body at different life stages. "Bone Fit" classes aim to decrease the risk of osteoporosis during menopause, "Back Fit" classes assist back and abdominal strengthening and "Mum Fit" antenatal and postnatal classes help women with the changes in their body before and after childbirth.
Ms Kenway, from Healthy Fit Physio at the Women's Health Unit, Mater Private Hospital Redland, developed the classes after years of seeing countless women in private practice experiencing similar health problems.
"Statistics show that one in two women and one in three men over 60 will have a fracture due to osteoporosis," says Ms Kenway.
"The Bone Fit classes not only help to prevent the rapid reduction in bone density that occurs at menopause but also addresses a number of physical changes including reduced muscle strength, weight gain, increased joint and muscle pain, reduced pelvic floor strength and increased cardiovascular risk.
"Helping women take control of their health was one of my key aims in designing these classes and so far the feedback from participants has been very positive" Ms Kenway said.
Having a health professional program the classes is also an added benefit according to Ms Kenway.
"Many women feel intimidated by a formal gym setting and they may also have some health problems, so having a health professional involved in their exercise regime in a laid back setting is really appealing.
"The classes are suited to all levels of ability and incorporate the use of fitballs and handweights and of course the women have a lot of fun and a great time meeting new people," Ms Kenway said.
For further information about the classes or to make a booking in 2005, please email Michelle Kenway, phone her on +61 7 3821 0644, or visit her website www.healthyfitphysio.com.au.