A gym instructor is helping the elderly community recover from traumatic incidents with health classes in Bridport.
Luke Hayter, who founded the Bridport Health Hub in 2015, says more attention needs to be given to over 60s to help them keep socially and mentally thriving.
Unlike most gyms in Dorset, Luke has worked in conjunction with NHS Dorset to provide rehabilitation classes for people who have suffered with heart failure, vascular incidents and traumatic falls, aiding recovery with a seven-week programme.
Luke, who strives to be the ‘Joe Wicks for the over 60s’ said: “I feel that everybody focuses on younger people. It is always about getting beach bodies, but in Dorset the age bracket is predominantly 60 and over and nobody is focusing on them.
“People may never have the right support and guidance and there is no one there helping the elderly to stay fit.”
Sue Stork, 72, joined the class after her husband died. He used to regularly attend the sessions.
She said: “It has brought me back into having a social life. I was with my husband for 50 years, and we all look after one another here.”
Rosemary Seaward has been coming to the class since it started 10 years ago.
She said: “It just keeps me stronger, and it helps seeing others and Luke has been a great influence.”
Jade Fulbrook, who assists the fitness sessions and coordinates the rehab classes said: “It is amazing to see people coming in thinking they cannot exercise and that they will be limited for the rest of their lives and at the end of the seven weeks they’ve gone on a journey. It gives them hope.
“A lot of these people have lost partners and friends, and it is so good for their mental and physical fitness. I see it as a holistic thing. It helps people live their lives as fully as possible.
Liz and Ian Wigglesworth have attended the classes for four years and enjoy both the physical challenge and social support the group gives.
Ian, 81, said: “It is ideal. You have got to exercise. It is so easy to give up.”
Sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bridport Football Club. NHS referrals are needed for the seven week rehabilitation programme after a health incident. Anyone can attend the fitness sessions.
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