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Flipping the perspective on elderly and exercise

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Christine is 73 and can deadlift more than 50 kilograms.

It’s all thanks to Karl Versteeg and the team at Carrington’s Groundwork Fitness.

When she first started at the gym in December 2020, she struggled to lift a 10-kilogram bar.

“[When I joined] I did not know what to expect given my underlying health conditions,” Christine said.

“I have a chronic lung condition, plus a permanent pseudomonas infection in my lungs (similar to Cystic Fibrosis sufferers), asthma, scoliosis of my spine and neck muscle issues.

“In the short time I have been attending Groundwork Fitness, with Karl’s knowledge and encouragement I have experienced a significant improvement in my overall wellbeing.

“At the outset, I was barely able to lift the lightest bar (without any weights), and I have progressed week by week with a great sense of achievement.

“My trepidation has turned to anticipation and I look forward to my sessions as I can feel the many benefits to my body.”

Groundwork Fitness owner Karl believes Christine is a great example to show weight training can be beneficial to anyone, especially those of an older age.

He adds she is not the only client achieving great results.

“The gym was built for older members,” he said.

“Osteoporosis Australia says that the more we age, the more important it is to train with weights.

“The best thing is that we have had some amazing results.

“We’ve a small membership at the moment – but everyone is seeing the results that weight training can achieve in such a short time.”

He hopes his members can come along to the gym and gain more than just some exercise.

“After each session, people can grab a coffee and have conversations with other members,” Karl said.

“This way they have the social interaction and physical conditioning that can help their mental health.”

Living with Cerebral Palsy, Karl knows all too all too well how beneficial it can be.

“Strength training has basically kept me upright – if I didn’t squat and deadlift, I’d be either in a wheelchair or finding it very difficult to walk,” he said.

Go to groundworkfitness.com.au for more.

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