YAH was formed after the Positively Fit gym at Pirongia Sports Centre closed 6-7 years ago. Several seniors wanted to continue, so went about searching an alternative. One of us had completed a Sport Waikato course, so from there decided a do-it-yourself option with the support of professionals from SportWaikato, who initially loaned us equipment to get us started. That was in Feb 2017. Our programme consists of 10-15mins group warmup, 17 individual weight and balance exercises that last 90sec each, followed by 10min stretches.
We're told there is a need to improve our balance as we age, to assist with maintaining driving skills, and quakity of life, extending our independence. we arrange visits from physio to give us ways to prevent injury. With the importance to 'keep moving' we found a venue where we could set up twice a week, store our gear (that has grown over the years) with minimal rent. Sessions cost $2, rent $12 hr, so very affordable. Members in the village can walk or bike freely adding to their mobility. Meeting for an hour from 9.15 allows us to have the rest of day free.
In the age group of 65-80+ we enjoy the company as well as the exercise. We encourage each other and often praise when a particular excerise has been achieved (eg HulaHoop or balancing a book on our head and walking the length of the room) Simple weight and balance exercises help us maintain and even improve our well-being. We have three carpool from Te Awamutu to enjoy the friendly well organised exercise programme suitable for older people and will abilities (quote from one who move to TA).
After Covid, the numbers who returned were initially low, but slowly they have returned. New members have joined us, they've brought along their friends, those who were fearful of covid, stayed away but are now coming back... it's the fellowship they've missed. A couple of members were laid up with either an injury or sickness, members rallied round with meals etc. YAH is more than an exercise class - it's a caring, sharing, fun-loving group who want to stay active even as we are approaching, if not already there, eighty!
Now we regularly get between 10 and 16 at any one session. I asked members to help me with this nomination, here are their comments: As a newcomer to Pirongia, I was encouraged to come along, and haven't regretted it one bit. I enjoy the friendly welcome and felt inclusive from day one. Newcomers to YAH who attend regualrly is positive proof of making them feel welcome to our community. Making physical activities more accessible - easy to get to, heaps of equipment, space and great mental fitness. The ability to make us feel relaxed and part of the group as well as the community.'Everyone feels welcome and does a wonderful job at exercise class keeping it fun for all. Love that we all care for one another outside of the gym sessions. Even if we are not well we are not forgotten about, cards and sometimes gifts are given to remind them we care. Together we see needs in the Pirongia community that we can support. Everyone pitches in to set up, and pack away... it's a very inclusive group.
Much of this has been said above, however we now have onboard Physio Caitlin who has set up a treatment room at the Pirongia Sports Centre who looks after our wellbeing - she'll occasionally visit to give us simple strength and balance exercises.
At the end of the year, our excess funds are gifted to a local family in need, or the likes of breast cancer, and we make up a box of items to donate to foodbank or women's refuge twice a year. No one member benefits financially. We are a team, no YAH decision is acted on without everyone's input, We also make sure we treat ourselves! once a month we'll have coffee together, and at the end of year we'll wind down with platters from the local caterer for an extended lunch. (we break for school holidays so photo not a good representative of whole group!)
