When I turned 55 last year a great new place opened up to me. The Wellness Centre at a local senior's complex. For a very reasonable fee I have access to several machines, a kinesiologist's help, massage treatments, physiotherapy treatments, chiropractor treatments and chiropody treatments. There is an extra fee for treatments but much cheaper than I would get elsewhere.

I suffer from myopathy that causes muscle weakness, it is hard for me to go to a regular gym. The Wellness Centre is aimed at seniors and the machines provided provide a good workout with less chance of injury. So three times a week I visit the Wellness Centre. I start with the reclined bicycle for 10 minutes, then I do some stretching exercises with weights, next it's on to the leg press for about 30 lifts, the leg extension machine,  next are a couple of machines I don't know the names of but are for upper body strength. With the exception of the stretching and the bike, they are all weight bearing exercises which are necessary for the older adult.

Since I started at the Wellness Centre I have definitely gotten stronger, especially in my upper body. I was having trouble lifting things but it's much easier. Before I could barely pick up my cat, now I can do it with one hand. It also helped when I had a bad fall last Autumn. I tripped and fell, my legs gave out and I ended up breaking my fibula bone. I truly believe that if I had not been working out I would have been hurt worse and it would have taken me a lot longer to recover. I find my walking is getting easier.  I did have a bit of a fall back because of my accident and did end up gaining more weight which makes it a bit harder to walk. However, I am back on track and will be doubling my workout efforts in the new year. I have seen what it can do and I am not going back.

I would recommend that everyone try and find a place to workout. You will find that it will improve your quality of life; not just physically but also mentally.