Exercise fun with physiotherapist, Hamid

Physiotherapist, Hamid Ansari, is a crowd favourite of the Resthaven Northern Community Services exercise class, with participants calling it ‘the shortest hour in the week!’

Working both in groups and individually in the modern gymnasium at 16 Gillingham Road, Elizabeth, participants enjoy a range of mobility and fitness exercises, all under Hamid’s expert eye.

Mrs Mary Stapleton, who has been attending the class for around 18 months, says, ‘We love working with Hamid. We always feel better after the classes.’

The feeling is mutual, with Hamid saying, ‘The groups are great, they’re so much fun.’

‘There are a couple of different groups – from beginner to advanced.’

‘This class is all about falls and balance prevention, and these guys are pretty good!’

Hamid initially started at Resthaven Marion Community Services, doing locum work. However, he explains, ‘I really liked the Resthaven culture, so when this permanent job came up in January 2021, I took it.’

‘Before that, I’d worked for close to six years in private practice.’

‘I really enjoy working as part of a large not-for-profit organisation, I feel very supported.’

‘But my favourite thing is working with the clients, and doing these groups brings so much joy and laughter.’

Mary echoes this statement, saying, ‘Everything is more fun in a group. You socialise and exercise, and you feel so much better.’

‘Hamid is very dedicated to helping people, and he likes his job, so it’s fun for us all – and I’m not just saying that because he’s listening!’

If you’re interested in joining in the fun at Resthaven Northern Community Services, phone 1300 13 66 33, or check out the range of wellness initiatives available through Resthaven that support older people to continue to live independently in their own homes.