An innovative exercise class is proving a hit with participants, their careers and the New Zealand Exercise Council.
The Parkinson’s class at YMCA Upper Hutt has recently been named winner of the New Zealand Exercise Industry’s community
contribution award.
The YMCA was approached by Parkinson’s New Zealand in 2007, after funding costs led to a hospital class being
discontinued. That original class was designed by Lesley Wirihana and Debbie Houston-Tupou around functional exercises,
ability and coordination to aide in fundamental everyday movements. The YMCA version tweaked the original design and now
includes exercise stations for each participant and their caregiver to exercise together and support each other, as well
as opening up the class up to people with limited movement and comorbidities. As a result, the class is convivial,
supportive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The social aspect of the programme is just as important as the exercise. We play classic hits from the 40s, 50s and 60s;
research shows that singing therapy might reduce some of the difficult-to-treat motor and mood symptoms associated with
Parkinson's disease. At the end of each class we make community announcements: birthdays announcements, guest speakers
at the next Parkinson’s meeting, or Hutt Valley community events which may benefit and support participants in the
class.
On the last Friday of the month there’s a group morning tea. “I like the social side,” says Russell, who has been coming
to the YMCA for over six years. “And keeping active means you come out buzzing – a bit tired but buzzing. I enjoy the
laughter and the endorphins created by that laughter.” All this adds up to a strong community feel, a supporting
environment and connections that branch out beyond the gym and into the lives of participants.
It’s fantastic to see the class recognised after its 12-year history with the YMCA, and a great credit and tribute to
the late Lesley Wirihana and to the members of the class who have lost the battle against Parkinsons over the years. The
New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards, recognises and awards those contributing to the health and wellness of New
Zealanders through exercise and fitness. There was no shortage of other worthy recipients with the YMCA Upper Hutt team
going up against seven other finalists in their category. The award was shared jointly with the Tangata Atumotu Trust
Physical Activity team, from Christchurch.
In 2017 the class was accredited by Sport Wellington as an ‘approved community strength and balance class’, and some of
the regulars recently featured in the ACC ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ campaign. “It’s great to see the class gaining
recognition, but that’s just the icing on the cake,” says Emily Morris, targeted health programmes coordinator. “We love
seeing so many people come together in a safe, secure and friendly environment to exercise their minds and their bodies.
We hope the class continues for decades to come!”
YMCA Greater Wellington PO Box 30247 Lower Hutt, 5010 Wellington 04 568 3252 contact@ymcawellington.org.nz
ymcawellington.org.nz To find out more on YMCA Upper Hutt’s classes and programmes, please visit:
www.ymcawellington.org.nz