By Alesha Capone
A strength and balance pilot program, run by a grassroots peer support group for people with Parkinson’s and Victoria University, has grown in leaps and bounds since last year.
ParKanDo co-leader Pam West said that when the program was launched online during the COVID pandemic, it was so popular that it became oversubscribed within a fortnight.
Wyndham council has provided funding to incorporate the initiative into VU’s Master Movers Program.
The classes, designed for people of all abilities including those with a disability and health conditions, offer seated and standing exercises to improve aerobic capacity, balance, co-ordination and strength.
The sessions can be attended in-person at VU’s Werribee Fitness Centre or online via Zoom.
Point Cook husband and wife Peter and Carmel Wall, co-leader and treasurer of ParKanDo, both did the classes online in 2020.
Mrs Wall, who has Parkinson’s, said the classes were good for both social interaction and fitness.
“It’s nice, gentle and certainly worth trying, Parkinson’s gets worse if you sit down all the time and don’t exercise,” Mrs Wall said.
“The professionalism of the people who run it, they really do seem to know what’s good for people with Parkinson’s or a disability.
“They can tailor-make the program so you can do it.”
Mr Wall said carers were also welcome to join the classes.
“We are very appreciative of the support Wyndham council has given us with the grant, to promote community health and the generosity they gave shown,” he said.
To book a call, phone 9919 8173. Classes cost $6, with a discounted rate of $3 available to eligible participants.