New Exercise Therapist in Kindersley
BY JOAN JANZEN
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Jocelyn Perlinger has taken on the role of exercise therapist in Kindersley. Together with Pathway to Wellness, Town of Kindersley and the Sask Health Authority, Jocelyn helped plan the upcoming exercise programs. She leads classes both in Kindersley and in Rosetown, and gave a description of the upcoming classes which will be taking place throughout the fall and winter months in Kindersley.
Health guidelines allow 16-18 people to participate in each exercise class, however only two members may work out at the same time in the wellness room. All members who are utilizing the equipment in the wellness room are asked to set up an appointment with Jocelyn. This allows her to get to know the members and their individual goals for their program. Jocelyn will also answer their questions and direct them to further assistance if needed.
She described exercises on the track as slightly more advanced exercises that build strength, endurance, stability and flexibility. Jocelyn will lead the class one day a week to ensure proper form and technique are used. This, in turn, will help members to do the exercises more independently on the second day of the week when Jocelyn will be on hand to correct their form as needed.
“The exercises will stay consistent for a few weeks before being switched to allow members the opportunity to get familiar with the exercises,” Jocelyn explained.
If there is enough interest, Pathway to Wellness has tentative plans to offer a youth class, with the intent to offer an energetic and fun environment for youth who may not be participating in any organized sports. If it moves forward, Jocelyn will lead the group through a variety of fun circuits that will build endurance, strength and flexibility.
Jocelyn also leads a Special Needs Kids Program, designed for youth with cognitive impairments, such as Autism. This provides kids with an opportunity to develop motor skills in a non-competitive but energetic and fun environment. “The skills these participants develop will allow them to engage in life-long physical activity,” Jocelyn explained.
Community classes featuring all levels of mobility and strength will be scheduled for Tuesday mornings. This is a group exercise class that includes basic strength exercises using a chair, dumbbells and resistance bands. The class also includes a cardio section and balance and stretching exercises, with accommodations for all fitness and mobility levels.
Individuals may request more one-on-one coaching or more workout time to address specific concerns. Jocelyn said, although she can’t diagnose any conditions or injuries, she is willing to help create a program that targets a diagnosed concern. “I will work alongside the individual to modify exercises as needed.”
Anyone wanting to get involved in Pathway to Wellness can contact Jocelyn at jocelyn.perlinger@saskhealthauthority.ca