For several years, I have been suffering from knee and hip problems and have been using a walking cane. Last March and April this year, the pain became unbearable. I could only walk using a walking frame — that four legged variety with front rollers. My wife had to help me get up from a sitting position. Climbing up or going down the stairs, or even walking up any inclined road was a struggle.
Suddenly, my outside activities were much lessened and my waking hours were mostly confined at home. There was also a suggestion to have a knee replacement to alleviate my pains and sufferings. I thought deeply of my condition and asked myself if this was the kind of life I was going to have for the rest of my living days. I saw myself slowly wilting.
What? First, I could not walk, then, I could not get up from the chair. What next — I won’t be able to get up from bed?
So I said to myself — This is not the kind of life I want. I do not want to live a wasted life, confined at home being dependent on others for my movements. I need to do something, the sooner the better. It was very timely that I received an email from Definition Gym, advising us of a government program for elderly and less mobile senior citizens. It was a joint undertaking by Centrelink and Definition Gym wherein we could avail of a two-month FREE use of gym facilities of supervised exercises under the government program “SHAPE”. My wife and I enrolled in the program
And believe me, it did not just change our lives. It is an understatement to say it is a TRANSFORMATION. After two months of religiously going to the Gym, two times a week during the first month and on the second month, three times a week, and undergoing the rigorous exercises from one to two hours per session under the watchful eyes of capable Physical Trainers, I have now ditched my walking cane and no longer need help in getting up from a sitting position. It dawned on me that when you do not move your muscle, you lose the use of it. Exercising in a gym using the proper machines and techniques really works. My physical condition and that of my wife have improved a lot. After the end of the government funded program, we continued our gym exercises and enrolled for another six months at our own cost.
The best surprise was when an Aussie lady approached my wife last week and said: “We started on the same day and I saw your husband walking in front of me. I asked myself — ‘What is this old man with a walking cane and with a hunched stance, doing here in a gym?’ Today, I see your husband walking straight without a cane. He even looks younger.”
Last Sunday, we attended a gathering and my friends who have seen me in my worst condition last April, were surprised to see me upright without a cane and walking like I have a spring on my feet. These changes in me were also noticed by those who were my regular acquaintances. These affirmations came from third parties, not from my wife or from relatives, but from other people.
I thank Andrew Zorzit who guided us during our initial exercises, the Physical Trainers Galina Leung and Steve who were both our “Mentors” in the beginning but became our “Tormentors” later. Thanks to all of you. You transformed and changed our lives. To my friends out there who are suffering the same predicament that I used to have, come and join me at Definition Gym & Health Club at Blacktown Workers Club. I assure you that you will not regret it and every single dollar you would spend is definitely worth it. My message is “Keep still and you lose it. Lose it and it is gone forever. Move it, move it, and have an active life.”