Toowoomba's Wellness Centre Reopens
Richard Shaw and Gerard Parr, better known as ‘Rick and Gerry’, have more than just their address in common, they also share a passion for health and fitness and are avid members of the Toowoomba Wellness Centre by integratedliving®.
When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit, the Bridge Street Resort neighbours dearly missed their regular gym sessions. Fortunately, integratedliving has announced the centre will reopen on 13 July, meaning they can once again return to their fitness routine.
“We first joined the Wellness Centre in September 2019 when Rick was diagnosed with cancer. I had been driving him to chemo and we both decided we needed a bit of extra motivation to keep us going. We joined up together and had been going twice weekly until coronavirus hit,” said Gerry.
“I suffer from fibromyalgia and visiting the Wellness Centre has helped a lot. The social aspect is also a big thing for the both of us and we enjoy meeting new people and having a chat. We often have a coffee there before or after our session. The amenities at the centre are great.”
After being forced to close their Wellness Centres in March, integratedliving is thrilled to be able to respond to the easing of restrictions in parts of the country by opening the centres in a staged approach, taking into consideration federal and state government recommendations.
Catherine Daley, integratedliving’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We’re excited to slowly re-open our Wellness Centres over the next few months. The health and safety of our clients and staff is always our highest priority and rather than returning to normal, we will be creating a new normal with clear guidelines in place for the safe practice of all centres.”
The Wellness Centres provide a hub for older people where they can be supported by health professionals to live a healthier and independent life. The programs are created by experienced exercise physiologists and focus on improving strength, balance, fitness and general wellbeing.
“Since the centre closed, we set up a home gym in Gerry’s lounge room and tried to stick to our usual schedule of Tuesdays and Fridays. It’s harder to exercise at home as you don’t have the Wellness Centre professionals to teach and train you and the machines to guide you what to do,” said Rick.
The Toowoomba Wellness Centre is one of eight that are proposed to reopen over the next three months as restrictions begin to ease across most States. The centres feature state-of-the-art wellness gyms featuring specialised HUR equipment and a range of services to help older people live an active and independent life.
Catherine added: “The centres are a welcoming environment that allow people like Rick and Gerry to establish social connections and form new friendships whilst experiencing positive improvements to their health and wellbeing. Stories like theirs are not uncommon and we really can’t wait to welcome people back to all our centres soon.”
For more information on the services offered at the Toowoomba Wellness Centre, please call the Customer Service Centre on 1300 782 896.