PICTURES: From a zimmerframe to running - Laois people get health results at ExWell workouts

Laois people of all ages coping with health issues who may never have stepped foot in a gym, are finding a new lease of life, thanks to weekly workouts.

Hundreds of locals are enjoying workouts in Portlaoise and Portarlington, up to four times a week, exercising at their own pace to music in large classes, with real health results.

Irish non-profit organisation ExWell Medical gives exercise classes in communities across Ireland for people living with chronic issues, referred by medical professionals.

The first 12 weeks were free until recently, paid by the HSE. Members, mostly pensioners, pay €50 a month to join up to four classes a week, or €35 monthly for one class a week.

In Portlaoise they happen on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at St Mary’s Hall, and Tuesday and Friday in O’Moore Park. In Portarlington they are on Wednesdays and Fridays in the GAA hall. There is also a weekly Zoom talk and a yearly exhibition.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live went along to a class in St Mary’s Hall.

Lavinia Malone from Portlaoise was there celebrating a full year of attendance.

Lavinia Malone with ExWell midlands manager Andy Evans. Photos: Leinster Express

“I started off with two classes, now I’m doing four a week.

“It has absolutely changed my life. I lost my son to cancer nine years ago but it’s like yesterday. My family was worried. I kept on my part-time job, I have the grandchildren over but I just couldn’t go out, I didn’t want to visit anyone. I got word about ExWell from a friend so I asked my doctor about it.

“I was crippled with arthritis. This time last year I was in severe pain. I couldn’t move my shoulders, everything was in bits. Since I started the classes everything loosened up.

“I just live for it. Hail, rain or snow I’m here. The instructors can’t get rid of me. It’s brilliant. It’s done everything, I’m going everywhere now. I’ve eight of my grandchildren over at the weekend and it’s just a new life. It’s the best thing ever," Lavinia said.

Alice McEniry with fellow ExWell members John Seale and John Russell.

“I’d just like to say that the instructors are so good. Everybody, no matter who you are, what age you are or what disability you have, they treat everybody so well. I don’t know what I’d do without it,” Lavinia added.

Participant Alice McEniry, is from Mountmellick.

“I think it’s brilliant. I’m paying now, I’m going to try and keep it going. I definitely feel toned up. My balance is very bad and in fairness it has improved immensely. I’ve got to know people as well. I come in a bit early for a chat,” she said.

“We want to stay young forever,” joked Miriam Crowe from Portlaoise.

“It’s very good for suppleness and balance and flexibility, that’s why I’m doing it. The lads are really nice, they’re a lovely bunch,” Miriam said.

John Russell and John Seale both from Portlaoise, exercise side by side, for “a bit of competition”.

Dan Devoy and Jimmy Bergin. 

“The class is very good therapy, both psychological and physical. I’m coming from a heart bypass situation and it’s given me confidence to do more. I’ll continue it. I wouldn’t do the exercises if I wasn’t here, it’s as simple as that,” said John Russell.

“I wouldn’t do it if I was at home. You need a bit of help, a bit of motivation. I find it good, you push yourself to do what you wouldn’t do elsewhere. My fitness is better, I feel that bit of more energy,” John Seale added.

The teachers on the day were Heather Masterson clinical exercise manager and Andy Evans, Midlands Manager.

“We take medical referrals from all kinds of chronic illnesses. From anything as severe as cancer, stroke and heart attack to less severe like osteoporosis, arthritis,” Andy said.

“We treat illness with exercise, like it’s a medicine. The class suits all conditions, whether someone is really fit or really frail. Everyone works out together.

“We take all ages. We have 30 year olds and would you believe 90 year olds in the class. We adapt and suit everybody. That’s the great thing about the class, everyone pushes each other on, there’s a place for everyone.

“We had a case study of one man who came in on a zimmerframe. After three months on the programme, he was leaving it at the door or at home. He actually jogged up and down the hall. He went from shuffling to running. It’s amazing the stories we see. It makes work feel less like a job, It’s so rewarding.

Colly Mullen, Jim Phelan and Breda Tarleton.

“We’re getting stories every day of lives being changed. After a couple of weeks of doing a lifestyle intervention, if someone gets a bit fitter, all of a sudden, all the other aspects of their life improve. Like going to Mass, doing the shopping, meeting friends, they start to do them more. “Our research shows that participants who use exercise as intervention, use their GPs a lot less. 

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“It’s the social aspect as well, people meeting people they haven’t seen in years, or new people. That’s nearly as important as the exercise itself,” Andy said.

“There are people here in their later life who may never have gone to the gym or exercised before. It’s like a whole new phase of life for them, seeing them make friends,” Heather added.

For those interested in more, see www.exwell.ie or speak to a GP, consultant or physio about a referral.