A new Oak Bay business is providing the programs and expertise to allow people to remain fit and active through their senior years.
Care and Company has opened a location in Athlone Court on Oak Bay Avenue where it will run its Fit For Life program.
“It is functional fitness for people 55-plus,” said owner Johanna Booy.
She said the program is ideal for those recovering from hip and knee replacements, or anyone “who just wants to stay fit but wants to do so in a gym-like setting that isn’t so loud and gymnasium like.”
Booy – a medical exercise specialist who has operated Care and Company senior care for the past nine years – can develop a personalized program to meet the member’s needs.
“We do an in-depth intake and take a look where there are problematic areas and set a program that will help to do those areas better and also increase strength and function.”
She said those needing rehabilitation after a hospital stay are often referred to programs offered out of large recreation centres.
“But that’s intimidating for seniors. The equipment is intimidating and they can’t get there. This is very central to the Oak Bay area, a bus can drop them off and there’s great parking. I think it will meet the needs of many.”
The program can accommodate those aged 55 right through to 100, as long as they are mobile enough to do a stand transfer. The Oak Bay centre offers a variety of fitness equipment able to help with a wide range of rehabilitation options.
“We can tell you what to do but what not to do as well,” said Booy, adding they must be aware of a person’s condition before they can put together the appropriate program.
“We have to know what the condition is so we know what to avoid.”
Memberships run from $89 a month for a single, $79 each for a couple and $149 a month for a medical membership that provides more one-on-one treatment.
The Athlone Court centre also has a social area where the coffee’s always on.
“People love to come and socialize after a workout,” she said. “Anyplace that I’ve ever worked with seniors in a setting like this, they tend to group after class. So I made sure coffee was part of the component this time.”
Booy is also hoping to open the facility to all ages in the evening, “so someone in the area that wants to work out in a nice, quiet place cans do so between 5 and 7 p.m.”
Care and Company is located in Athlone Court at 202-2187 Oak Bay Ave. and can be reached at 250-382-2328.
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