UNITY -- The popular saying goes, “Motion is lotion.” Movement and building strength are two keys in wellness programs. Unity’s Fitness Lair continues to evolve, offering classes that will benefit all demographics, generations, and abilities.
A brand new, one-of-a-kind fitness class, called Fit for Function is now being offered to benefit those with neurological conditions like MS, Parkinson’s or those that have had a stroke or brain injury.
“I have been wanting to start something like this for some time,” Fitness Lair instructor and physiotherapist Jenna Poleris says.
“I have noticed a gap in the health-care system, specifically in rural areas, between diagnosis for those with neurological conditions. The goal is guidance and general appropriate exercise to maintain function and quality of life.”
Poleris said she recognizes the lack of resources, like programming and classes for these patients in rural settings, like Unity. As a physiotherapist, she knows how important exercise can be in maintaining the quality of life, as well as what type of exercise is appropriate for these individuals.
“Being able to provide individualized advice for those in an exercise program is invaluable. I see this all the time in my physiotherapy career. Almost everyone feels they have some sort of limitation to exercise, whether it's a sore back, knee or a diagnosis of a neurological condition that can affect the way in which they participate in exercise,” adds Poleris.
At Fitness Lair, they work hard, not just in this new Fit for Function class, but in all of their group classes to work either every member to ensure what they are doing is appropriate and beneficial for them. Everything the coaches do in class can be adjusted for anyone, regardless of ability.
Poleris said spots of the class are filling up quickly. Class size is being kept relatively small so as to be able to provide proper coaching for each participant, with only a few spots remaining.
“I definitely expect a wide range of abilities in this class, however, in order to join Fit for Function, participants must be able to walk at least 10 metres or 30 feet, with or without a cane or walker, and do so independently without the help of another person. In order to meet the needs of all participants, exercises will be levelled. For example, level one might be a seated option, level two standing and level three standing with weight. Like any other class we offer at the Lair, it is possible to adjust any exercise to the needs of the participant.”
The Lair's classes have rdiversified over the years and the team at Fitness Lair prides themselves on having something for everybody available. They currently run group CrossFit classes, women-only resistance classes and men-only resistance classes, as well as offer at-home programming options and personal training. Beginner classes will hit the schedule this fall as well.
There are nine trained coaches on staff. The business has come a long way from their first location and a single coach and branched out from just focusing on CrossFit and weight training. Fitness Lair moved to their building several years ago and offers a 24/7 gym in the upper level in addition to coached classes and personal training in the lower level.
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