Community encouraged to ‘DASH’ to new gym

THE Disability Ageing Specialised Health (DASH) Gym in Grovedale continues to advocate and assist people from all walks of life with accessing elite gym and wellbeing facilities in the G21 region.

DASH is the joint venture of Geelong-based Rankin family, and all stemmed from co-owner Laura Rankin being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and having her local gym close down during the pandemic.

With her needs not being catered for at other local gyms, her husband and former youth/aged care support worker Tony, mother-in-law Marje and fellow family members helped get a specialised health facility off the ground, one that could cater to the needs of Laura and people of all-abilities.

The local family-owned business has been open to the public for eight months, offering people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels a caring and supportive environment that they can thrive in with no judgement.

Through the co-ordination of highly experienced trainers, alongside occupational therapists and exercise physiologists, the Rankin family’s dream has come to life.

According to co-owner Marje Rankin, DASH has a relaxing ambiance and is without wall-to-wall mirrors and loud music.

The environment encourages members to feel less intimidated and to feel comfortable doing their exercises.

“We are very different to others; we really specialise in seniors’ years and those with a disability or mental health,” Marje said.

“What we are doing here is just so amazing, it’s just a really caring environment that we help to change people’s lives.

“The place really has a heartbeat, and we are very proud of it.”

The gym offers alternative all-abilities exercises including an amusement style basketball system that promotes healthy cardio and hand-eye movement, reformer Pilates equipment for strength and movement benefits, a wall ladder that offers endless gentle exercise possibilities and much more.

DASH also hosts accessible and private multipurpose consulting suites, which are complete with sensory lighting that may be utilised for health and professional consultants and planning of fitness goals.

“We at DASH believe that [all] people should feel respected, healthy and included, no matter what their age or disability,” Marje said.

“If you are in your senior years, struggling with mental health, living with a disability or even if you’re a young person who feels anxious or struggles with the idea of going to a traditional gym, we are here for you.

“Everyone has the right to lead a fit and healthy life.”

Co-owner Tony Rankin said business has been steadily on the rise and that he was hopeful that things would boom now that the pandemic isn’t as much of an issue.

“With our demographic, we’ve had to wait for them to feel comfortable to come out again,” owner Tony Rankin said.

“People didn’t want to get sick, so we’ve had to earn their trust and give them a place to feel safe.

“It’s a very close-knit, trusting community that we are building here; community is everything, especially when you are in the operation that we are.”

In the near future, DASH will benefit from mentoring sessions with business coaches thanks to their win in the Ripple Surf Coast pitch competition.

They also continue to be humbled by working with local ambassadors Sam Moorfoot and Tyler Vandermeer who are helping to put the business on the map.

DASH is open 24/7, while office opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am-3pm.

To learn more, go to www.dashgw.com.au/