Age no barrier as veterans hit the gym

YOU are never too old to start training – just ask these Torquay RSL members.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Health Smart program has been in place for 14 years and this group of Torquay-based veterans who served in the Vietnam War era are reaping the rewards.

About 20 veterans of all ages head to the gym three times a week to complete exercises which help to overcome chronic health conditions.

Working with an accredited exercise physiologist who specialises in movement mechanics, the program continues to provide veterans plenty of benefit.

Torquay RSL wellbeing advocate Peter Thomas, 82, said it was great to have such a group involved.

“There is a core group of us who began that program so long ago, but we have continued exercising together to relieve pain and assist with various chronic health conditions,” Mr Thomas said.

“Over the years, other younger veterans have joined us.”

Mr Thomas said the benefits were not limited to the physical activity.

“The social interaction between our veterans and the exercise physiologists working with us, helps greatly with mental health conditions we suffer.

“This is a magnificent add-on to our individual programs which we usually follow up with a coffee before we head off for our day’s general activities.

“The wonderful support we receive from DVA in covering costs of our programs, which is greatly appreciated.”

The program is currently run out of Torquay’s Body Sculpting and Fitness gym.

Exercise physiologists Tiarna Preer and Tom Kearney run the program and get plenty of enjoyment out of it as well.

“It’s more of a social gathering and they do love a good exercise,” Ms Preer said.

“Especially through COVID, we did have the ability to exercise as a group, it was definitely something they needed.”

“They’re a bunch of characters, they’re good friends as well,” Kearney added.

“We’re constantly changing their programs to suit their everyday lives.”