Residents at a Thornlands aged care facility are pumping a little iron as they break in some fitness equipment.
Bolton Clarke's Moreton Shores residents and local seniors have been sweating it out as they do the hard yards at the facility's new seniors-friendly gym.
The purpose-built space with cutting edge fitness equipment is delivering results, helping aged care and retirement living residents with strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness.
The equipment is not really about weight lifting but rather is designed specifically to support wellbeing for ageing bodies.
It includes features like well-supported seating with upright adjustable backs, weight systems which run off an air compressor allowing slower and more gradual incremental weight progressions and accessible sitting in a wheelchair.
Moreton Shores occupational therapist Mark Aumuller - who oversees the gym program and conducts an initial physiotherapy assessment with all clients - said most people quickly experienced improvements.
"The equipment is very motivating as it provides a more specific training program," he said.
"Our clients can see and track their results in a tangible way within a short period.
"We're seeing an increase in the amount of men coming along to take part in the strengthening exercises that this equipment provides. It's far more appealing to them than attending a traditional physiotherapy or balance-based class, which tend to be female-dominated.
"A lot of clients report feeling stronger within three to four weeks and their ability to be more active in their day-to-day lives increases.
"There is no fear to take part as it's a safe and controlled environment, more appealing than a regular gym."
Janice, who lives with her husband at their family home at Victoria Point, comes to Moreton Shores to use the gym two days a week and says it has given her confidence after a fall last year.
"The gym is great. It's given me stability," she said. "I've had a couple of falls, and the doctor wanted me to do something to strengthen my muscles.
"I used to walk with a walking stick but I don't need it now, and it's all through doing the exercises here at the gym with Mark."
Geoff Miles, who has lived at Moreton Shores for 16 months, goes to the gym weekly.
"I've been really looking forward to this exercise class," he said.
"I've had very physical jobs over my lifetime and I find it relaxing. I've got rid of a couple of niggling issues that I've had all my life."
The gym is open 8am - 12pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays for all older people.
