A BrainBodyFitness pilot project has been established at the Qualicum Commons to help residents and those from the surrounding areas improve their well-being.
The Qualicum Community Education and Wellness Society (QCEWS) and Nanaimo Brain Injury Society (NBIS) have joined forces to provide this accessible space that features adaptive exercise equipment that include Active Passive Trainer, an innovative piece of equipment designed to cater to diverse needs.
The primary objective of the BrainBodyFitness pilot project is to establish a sustainable program that enhances the quality of life for participants by offering greater access to adaptive exercise equipment that may not have been previously available in our community.
Since Jim’s Gym closed due to COVID-19 more than two years ago, there has been a lack of training facilities for people with special needs.
The new space, located at 744 Primrose St., that was unveiled in July will help fill the gap. It’s now operating under the supervision of program facilitator, Ryan Watson, who was hired with the help of funding from the NBIS.
QCEWS spokesperson and registered clinical counsellor Bill Preston said they are excited to have the training facility open.
Since it’s a pilot project, five people were chosen to be involved with the initial start of the program. After 12 weeks, another five people will be added.
“Now that this is running, the next thing we need to do is find longterm funding to sustain the program,” said Preston.
Diana LaMonte, who became physically disabled after an incident with a patient while she was working as nurse more than 10 years ago, highlighted the importance of having this type of program.
“I went through a really rough time but with the community support that I have received in the past 10 years has been amazing,” said LaMonte. “And I think that this program is absolutely vital, not just for me, to anybody that has disabilities because they can’t go to a regular gym.”
The NBIS is helping with the promotion of brain health and wellness for all.
One of the programs now available to clients is a cognitive health platform called NeuroTracker, which was made possible through partnership with the University of Victoria’s Christie Lab. The technology has shown to improve brain function including attention, memory and processing speed.
Watson indicated that it has helped people with brain injury, concussions, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s and declining cognitive abilities.
“It’s not a panacea by any means but it does show it improves on different populations,” said Waston. “And longstanding improvements.”
For more information on the BrainBodyFitness pilot project, contact rehab@nbis.ca or call 250-268-5760.
The proponents of the project would like to thank the financial support provided by the Social Policy and Research Council (SPARC) of British Columbia, and School District 69 for providing the use of the space at the Qualicum Commons.
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