Fitness helps health battle

Stroke patients are on the road to recovery thanks to special exercise sessions on offer in a Sheffield gym.

A group of around 20 patients, aged between 30 and 80, take part in weekly fitness classes at the new Fitness Unlimited gym at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.

To support their rehabilitation, participants complete a series of exercises aimed at helping to increase their fitness, mobility and general wellbeing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Activities, led by qualified instructors, include squats, lunges, dead lifts and circuits, with progress monitored with a walking test every eight weeks.

The exercise group is backed by the Stroke Association.

Patient Paul Bullimore, aged 62, from Frecheville, Sheffield, who had a stroke in 2013, said: “I really enjoy the sessions.

“After my stroke, I had problems with my shoulder and got a tingling sensation in my arm. The weekly exercise has helped my movement in every way and is making the bad parts of my body better.

“I used to take the lift to the gym, but now I can use the stairs, which is incredible.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lucy Annandale, the specialist instructor who leads the classes, said: “The sessions have been designed to increase patients’ mobility, confidence and independence and help them get back what they lost.

“By taking part in regular exercise, we see improvements in strength and balance and fewer aches and pains.

“Some of the patients no longer walk with a stick and have progressed so they can use the gym on their own.”

The stroke fitness classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

n Visit www.sivltd.com or call 0114 2233400.