Retired physiotherapist gets arthritis sufferers up and moving
Fitness class to ease arthritis has been running for 27 years in the West Island
You would never know Joan McArdle has had both her knees replaced over the past two years, and is coping with osteoarthritis.
She has a smile from ear-to-ear as she moves around the room during her fitness class in Dorval to the sounds of Donna Summer's Hot Stuff.
McArdle is one of dozens of people in the West Island who go to special fitness classes to ease the pain of arthritis.
"It's been marvelous helping with the arthritis," said McArdle. "It gives you all the exercises to strengthen your muscles, and keep yourself moving so you don't seize up."
Going at their own pace
The exercise class, which is one of five in the West Island, is designed to help people with arthritis. All five are led by retired physiotherapist Beverly Colbeck, who created the class 27 years ago at the request of the Arthritis West Island Self Help Association (AWISH).
"Everyone has a different problem and we do what we can," said Colbeck.
"So they're always encouraged just to stop if they've had enough, not to force doing anything, and go at their own pace."
Colbeck said people with arthritis often can't keep up in a regular exercise class, but in her classes, their limitations are respected.
She covers everything from range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, balance, stretching and meditation.
"It all boils down to functioning, doing what they have to do in life, continuing to be mobile," said Colbeck.
Attendees from all over
For many of these women, the class is as much a social event as a health requirement. It's a chance to catch up on each others lives, and something to look forward to once a week.
The classes are given in Dorval, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Pierrefonds. Over the past 27 years, Colbeck has had people come from as far as the east end of Montreal and Laval because there are so few classes like hers on the island.
Aside from dealing with arthritis, Carol Gavin has fibromyalgia and a degenerative spine. She said she started taking the class to help deal with the pain, and make life more bearable.
"It's amazing, not only the exercise, but the companionship, the empathy," said Gavin. "Knowing that you may be sore, but there's always someone worse off than you."
'It's the most important part of my week'
Last year, West Island Community Shares handed down $38,000 to AWISH to keep the classes going all year round. Colbeck hopes the funding continues, because she has seen how much the class has helped people cope with their arthritis.
CBC Montreal is raising money for West Island Community Shares during the 37th annual CBC Montreal Christmas Sing-In charity drive.
Anne Pallen who has rheumatoid arthritis said the class has helped her get her life back.
"I'd say it's the most important part of my week, I wouldn't miss it," she said.
What do participants think about their instructor Beverly? It seems her positivity and enthusiasm to help them is as much a part of what's bringing them back, week after week, as their desire to be pain free.
"They're living better, they're able to function better, and this is very important," said Colbeck. "It's so nice to see."
More information about the classes can be found on AWISH's website.