The Houston Royal Canadian Legion Branch #249 and Total Physio, a private business that rents space at the Houston Health Centre, donated $2700 to the Houston Leisure Facility for the purchase of a pool bike available for the use of all patrons.
“This is an in-water stationary trainer that will target all user demographics. Especially for our senior population and the rehab participants,” commented Tasha Kelly, manager of Leisure Services for the District of Houston.
The pool bike can provide great benefits to local athletes, allows senior citizens a soft cardio training with no stress or pain,and weight reduction benefits to any rehabilitation program.
“Is it a permanent fixture in the pool?” asked councillor Tim Anderson.
“No it’s not. It weighs about 50 pounds. It is very easy to go into the water and very easy to take out,” replied Kelly.
“If it is not in the pool at all times, what is the procedure for getting it into the pool if someone wants to use it?” inquired councillor Rick Lundrigan.
“[Patrons] just need to approach a lifeguard, it only takes one person to put it into the pool. It has wheels on it that roll right on the deck,” explained Kelly.
The pool bike is available to all patrons during public and lane swim times.
“It’s a welcomed addition to the facility. Lots of people in the occupational therapy program have been using it to rehab their injuries, and people after seniors aquafit have been trying it out. We are very fortunate to have it,” commented Kelly.
The Houston Royal Canadian Legion Branch #249 was happy to utilize their poppy fund for the purchase of this public equipment that all community members could access.
“I think it’s just a good way for the legion to use our poppy money, that way it goes back into the community for seniors,veterans, and regular patrons that come here to use the facility. [Collaborating] with Mike and the physio crew is very beneficial because they are the ones that show people how to use [the bike] right. For us, it was a no-brainer to help out,”said Wade Anundesn, vice president of the Houston Royal Canadian Legion Branch #249.
Occupational Therapy has regularly been using the new pool bike and has seen many benefits for its clients.
Jared Lalik, physiotherapist at Total Physio, said that Mike Mcalonan, owner of Total Physio, contributed to the purchase of the new pool bike “for the combined effect of hydro therapy and using the bike for strengthening.”
“Hydro therapy is great for unloading joints, as well as chronic pain, acute pain,” explained Lalik.
“It’s awesome. It already has a lot of use, not just from us, but for private use as well. I think it’s going to benefit the community,” said Nate Ewald, kinesiologist at Total Physio.