The Thistle Foundation say that Gyms can be intimating places, but their Gym is different: it’s a small, relaxed place with a range of exercise equipment from cross-trainers to treadmills, exercise bikes to free weights. There is also equipment for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility and trained staff and volunteers on hand to support members.
‘The benefits of physical activity are numerous,’ says Chris Davies, Gym Instructor at Thistle Foundation: ‘it can help you manage your health, cope with stress and anxiety, and simply feel better and more upbeat.’
Thistle subsidises the membership price through the support of donors and funding keeping it as low as possible at only £25 a year. This also includes access to a range of exercise classes including Tai Chi and Movement and Mobility.
Thistle also accepts referrals to their Gym. People can self-refer or ask their GP, physiotherapist or community worker to refer them. Everyone that is referred to Thistle’s Gym in order to manage their health receives a free six-month membership to help them get started.
Thistle’s Gym is located at Wighton House in Craigmillar and is open Monday – Thursday 8:15am – 6pm and Fridays 8:15am – 1pm.
If you would like more information, contact Emma Hollands on 0131 656 7346 or at Emma.Hollands@thistle.org.uk
Images courtesy of the Thistle Foundation.
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