Derby Amputee Social Club
Amputee and Family Social Group

In the Gym

We have all seen Olivia Newton John do her work out to the words of the song, Let’s get Physical - Let me hear your body talk. It is not easy as an amputee to keep in shape and work out, so as a group the Derby Amputee Club found a way that would help us all. We arranged to visit Rehab Prosthetics in Coalville to have a gym session that would suit the particular needs of an amputee.  

On arrival we gathered together in the main reception where we met Shep the Managing Director and had a cup of tea whilst waiting for the group to assemble. There was a group of ten people, of which half were amputees and all of us had seen fifty pass by in our lives. Before we could take to the gym we each had to fill-in a form to identify any medical or physical issues so that we were covered by the relevant insurance. Once all the formalities were out of the way we made our way into the gym area and Shep explained what we were about to undertake.  

Around the gym there were twenty stations set out and at each station there was a notice stating what the exercise was about. Shep explained that we would do all twenty exercises taking one minute each and these would be grouped in blocks of five with a break in between each block. He then went around each exercise and demonstrated what it required and also explained what the purpose was, as some of the exercises were aimed at improving posture and balance, while others were to do with mobility and muscle tone. He was also keen to emphasise that each exercise could be done in more than one way, so that if you found lying on the floor difficult you could do the same exercise standing. For instance; did you know that a press up can be done standing up and pressing away from a wall!  This proved most helpful to some of our members who find getting down and back up most difficult. It was useful to have the experience of someone who knows the limitations imposed by an amputation and he was able to distinguish between the needs and capabilities of the below-the-knee amputees in comparison to the above-the-knee amputees, so each exercise was detailed to meet the individual needs of the people. The members of the club who were not amputees were not forgotten in this process, but their additional ability meant that they could approach the exercises with a little more confidence.

We were now ready to start and so each person made their way to a separate starting point. Shep indicated when they should start and called out when half a minute had elapsed and again when one minute had passed and it was time to stop. We then had a short breather and moved on to the next task. For many it was a good feeling to be doing some exercise once again and the stretching, pushing, pulling and bending soon had the blood circulating around the body and warming up the muscles. After one group of five exercises had been completed we took a five minute breather and there was plenty of water around for people to take a drink while they caught their breath and relaxed, having a laugh and discussing how they had gone one. We then continued and the session took about an hour to complete. At the end of the session each person had done the following exercises: Sit to Stand with arms folded, Arms Stretch, Push-ups, Arm lifts, Shuttle Run, Side Stepping, Simultaneous leg and arm movement, Walking the line, Bridging, Step ups, Wall Slides, Chest lifts, Backward lifts, Reach for the Stars, Arm raising, Walking and juggling, Curls, Walking around obstacles, Trunk Curls and Leg lifts. Shep now explained that tomorrow we may feel some tightness or aches from the exercise and that we should redo the exercise that warms up that part of the body that is aching and then have a warm bath or shower to help relax the muscles.

It is important to realise the shear benefit of achievement that this kind of exercise can have for someone who is restricted in their ability by an amputation. Once again to feel the exuberance of self worth as you realise that you have accomplished a routine of exercises that you had not considered possible.

After the session we decided to retire to the Morrison’s store that is just around the corner and have a bite to eat. We notified them beforehand that we were coming at dinner time in advance when we arrived at the gym and they reserved several tables that gave access to wheelchair and artificial limb users, which was exceptionally good and helpful of them. While we ate we chattered and laughed, talking through the mornings events, and this again is nourishment for the soul.

If you cannot get to Coalville or find a similar gym nearby, do not be disheartened. All of the exercises can be undertaken at home without a lot of special equipment. Have a look at the Derby Amputee website and see a full account, but if you can get together with others, do it. There is so much to gain in sharing your experiences and having fun together.  

Finally it is important to give recognition to the person who put together the exercises in the first place. Shep asked that we mention that it was designed by Penny Broomhead MCSP, a private practitioner in Leicester; she gave him permission to use it in any way he wished, but requires the publicity for it. www.prostheticphysiotherapy.com