Going from strength to strength 

Benefits of a free exercise program offered by Tasmania Medicare Local

A year ago, Launceston local, Barney Reynolds, could not join his hands together behind his back even if he wanted to. Today, the 63-year-old would be able to pass this test with flying colours, and probably running laps around you in the process. This is no mean feat, as chronic disease is a daily reality for Barney.

In addition to living with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, with which he was diagnosed in 2004, Barney suffers from multiple other conditions including spondiolithesis (a spinal issue present from birth), chronic and debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. 

He has also struggled with his weight for more than a decade, and was recently diagnosed with angina as well as two significant artery blockages.

Combine all these chronic health issues together with difficulties in breathing and recurrent back pain, it is no surprise that Barney has long been put off by the idea of exercise.

“At one stage my partner Lesley and I were walking 45 to 60 minutes every evening around the Launceston CBD,” Barney said. “However, the walking was becoming something of an ordeal, with me needing to stop every so often to rest. My doctor – who was aware of my chronic conditions and was helping me manage them — suggested we try various avenues or improving my overall health so that walking could continue.”

Initially, Barney tried physiotherapy, but unfortunately this proved unsuitable for his needs.

Later, in early 2013, he met with a nurse at his doctor’s practice for an annual diabetes check.

“It was this champion who referred me to Tasmania Medicare Local for consults with a dietitian, diabetes educator, podiatrist and exercise physiologist,” he said.

The exercise physiologist to which Barney was referred asked him if he would like to participate in Strength2Strength, a new program offered by the Tasmania Medicare Local at the Northern Integrated Care Service. Barney didn’t need much convincing; he signed up on the spot. 

Strength2Strength is a free 12 week exercise program established as part of the Australian Government’s Tasmanian Health Assistance Package. It is designed specifically for older Tasmanians and people living with multiple chronic health conditions.

Participants undertake weekly supervised exercise sessions, with specific attention to muscular development, cardiovascular health and balance. They are also provided with regular education sessions on posture, core strength, and healthy eating.

“The first session was great and a learning process for us all. I could see people of varying ages and sizes as well as fitness levels,” Barney said. “We finished that first session sweaty and, for me, exhilarated.”

While Barney found the program quite a challenge physically, the mental and health benefits have been incredibly rewarding.

“I was the youngest in the group, at 62, but we all bonded over time and found strength and support from each other,” he said. “There were no false targets to reach and we were always reminded that we could slow down or stop at any point in any exercise. My weight, which at the start of the program was above 140kg, has dropped to 124kg and I can now go walking and climbing stairs without an issue. Life’s good and getting better. I joined the Strength2Strength program with a strong desire to improve my physical health and drag the mental health with it. It worked.”

Since commencing the program in June 2013, exercise physiologist Katie-Jane Brickwood and her team at TML Clinical Services North have delivered classes to more than 150 participants, with 100 sessions run just this year.

“The program is hugely important, not just for increasing strength and functional capacities but in building confidence in participants,” Katie-Jane said. “People come in who are a bit shy and unsure, but by week 12 they are doing things they didn’t think possible.”

Feedback about the program has also been very positive, with many people saying that they not only feel healthier, but that they feel stronger and fitter as well.

The most notable health improvements, according to Katie-Jane, have been in the function abilities and quality of life scores of participants.

“Obviously we hoped for good results but these were higher than expected. The fact that participants are doing their own targeted exercises is probably why we are seeing greater levels of improvement,” she said.

As a testament that dedication and self-belief can, indeed, move mountains, Barney is now closer than ever to his goal of reaching the pinnacle of Quamby Buff, a mountain in the Great Western Tiers of Northern Tasmania; a goal that he is now running — not walking — towards.

For more on Strength2Strength, contact Katie-Jane Brickwood on (03) 6336 2145 or kjbrickwood@tasmedicarelocal.com.au

Click here to download the August edition of The Health Advocate.

Image: Barney doing exercises with Katie-Jane, courtesy of Tasmania Medicare Local.