Pilot Programme Equips Fitness Instructors to Help Stroke Survivors

Stroke Survivors Find Support and Empowerment through‍ inclusive​ Fitness Programs

After a stroke, the road⁢ to recovery can be long and challenging.Simple⁣ tasks that were once ​taken for granted become monumental hurdles. Maya Seah understands this struggle firsthand. In 2017, a haemorrhagic stroke left her with brain fog, muscle weakness, and communication difficulties. But Seah, a⁢ former fitness enthusiast, refused to let​ her⁤ stroke define her. in 2023, she ​rediscovered ⁣her love for physical activity through⁤ dragon ⁣boating and recently⁤ started incorporating gym workouts into her routine. Her journey, like⁤ those of other stroke ⁣survivors, highlights the growing need for inclusive fitness programs⁢ designed to meet their unique needs. Recognizing this need,the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) ⁢partnered ⁢with the Singapore institute of Technology to launch a pilot‍ program in October 2023. ⁣This ⁤initiative, aligned with the Disability ‍Sports Masterplan 2024, aims to create a ⁣more welcoming habitat in ActiveSG gyms and swimming pools for‍ stroke ⁤survivors and​ people with disabilities. “Surveys revealed ⁢that stroke survivors yearned⁣ for accessible fitness⁣ opportunities while fitness professionals expressed a⁣ desire ‌to better understand the needs of individuals with disabilities,” ‍explains ​Associate Professor shamala Thilarajah,‍ president‍ of ‌SNSA and a senior principal physiotherapist at Singapore‍ General Hospital. Training workshops, held in October and ‌November, brought together a diverse group of professionals including fitness instructors, physiotherapists, and doctors. They gained valuable insights into effective communication ⁤techniques, safety considerations, and adaptive‍ exercise strategies⁣ for individuals with varying abilities. The program’s ⁤emphasis on inclusivity is a relief for caregivers⁢ like Melvin Ye, Seah’s⁤ husband. “Knowing there’s support ⁢and specialized equipment available ​at the gym gives⁢ me peace of mind,” he⁢ shares. While Seah relishes the benefits of exercise, her experiences at the gym highlight a critical ⁢aspect of inclusivity: social ​acceptance.While many gym-goers have been ⁢kind ​and helpful,she has also encountered impatience⁤ and‍ judgment from others. Catherine Lee,⁢ who experienced ​an ischemic ⁤stroke in 2020, echoes ‌the importance⁤ of ⁤supportive fitness environments. ‌‌ Lee, ⁤who has regained‍ approximately 70%​ function ‌in her‍ left arm, emphasizes the need for​ ongoing physical‌ activity for ⁤stroke survivors. “We have​ to constantly be on the move and ⁢exercise,” she says.

Fitness Programs Adapted for ‍Stroke Survivors

For stroke survivors, regaining physical strength and mobility is a crucial part ‌of recovery.But navigating a gym environment and ‍using fitness ⁢equipment can be daunting, especially when facing challenges⁢ like muscle weakness, spasticity, or communication difficulties. To ​address these needs, specialized fitness programs are ‍emerging,‌ providing tailored support ‍and guidance. One such ⁢initiative, ⁣lead ‌by the ‍Singapore ⁣National Stroke Association, focuses on training ⁤fitness instructors to ‍better assist stroke survivors. ​ Catherine Lee, a stroke survivor, shared her experience, highlighting‍ the importance of accessibility ⁣and understanding. “I​ realized that some days⁣ when I was down​ with flu and Covid, I couldn’t exercise for almost two weeks as I was very tired. ⁣I could‌ feel everything ‌stiffen ‍up,” she explained.

President of‍ Singapore national Stroke ⁤Association ⁣Shamala ⁤Thilarajah (second from⁤ left) ‌teaching ​ActiveSG instructor Victor Ng (right) ⁤how to assist stroke survivors⁣ on exercise bikes at the enabling ⁢Village ActiveSG Gym at Lengkok Bahru.With them​ are stroke survivors Maya⁢ Seah (left) and Catherine Lee.ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

This program ⁢equips instructors⁣ with valuable‍ techniques to effectively‍ support individuals with varying needs.Victor ‌Ng,‍ a senior fitness instructor at ActiveSG, shared how the ⁢training helped him ‍overcome uncertainties.”As fitness instructors, we are quite unsure of how to ​engage these people,” he admitted, ⁤”but⁢ when I⁤ came for this‌ course, I learned⁢ a lot of different ways ‌that⁢ we can do so.”​ From communicating using gestures and simple questions to understanding how to release clenched fists caused by spasticity, the program empowers instructors with the⁤ knowledge and⁤ confidence to create inclusive and supportive fitness environments for everyone.
## Interview with Maya Seah: Rediscovering Strength After stroke



**Introduction:**



Welcome back‌ to ‌*Archyde*. Today, we speak to ⁢Maya Seah, a stroke survivor who is actively using fitness as a ‌tool for recovery and empowerment. ‌Maya, thank you for being with us.



**Maya Seah:** My‌ pleasure. ⁢It’s great to be‍ here.



**interviewer:** ​ Your story is truly inspiring. You experienced a ⁢haemorrhagic ‍stroke in 2017 ​which left you with notable challenges. ⁣How did you navigate those ‌initial months after the stroke?



**Maya Seah:** Honestly, it was incredibly difficult. Simple tasks I took for ⁣granted, like getting⁤ dressed or communicating, became immense hurdles. Brain ‌fog and muscle weakness​ were constant companions. It was a period of immense frustration and adjustment.



**Interviewer:** How did you ⁢find​ the motivation to ⁢rediscover your passion for fitness?



**Maya seah:** ‌I was always active before the stroke.It was ​a huge part of who I was,and losing‍ that was ‌like losing a piece of myself.



In 2023, I stumbled upon dragon ⁤boating, and it was‍ like a lightbulb went off. ⁢ The camaraderie, the challenge, the feeling of moving ‌my body again – it was transformative.



**Interviewer:** That’s amazing! You’ve now incorporated gym workouts as well.



**Maya Seah:** Yes, and it ​hasn’t been easy.‍ But‍ finding gyms embracing inclusivity, like those piloted by the Singapore national Stroke Association (SNSA) and the Singapore Institute of​ Technology, has made a world of‌ difference.



**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on the importance of these inclusive fitness programs for ⁢stroke‍ survivors like yourself?



**Maya Seah:** ⁢[Source:(Stateddata)[Source:(Stateddata)[Source:(Stateddata)[Source:(Stateddata)

These programs are a lifeline. They provide a safe and welcoming environment where we can regain ⁤strength, confidence, and a sense of normalcy.



Having ​fitness instructors‌ who understand our⁤ unique needs, access to adaptive equipment, and the support of other survivors makes all the difference.



**interviewer:** What ⁣changes would you‍ like to see ​in ‍the fitness industry to make it⁢ more accessible‌ for people like you?





**Maya Seah:**⁤ Primarily, greater awareness and training for fitness⁢ professionals on how to work with individuals ⁣with⁢ disabilities.⁢ Recognizing that there’s no‌ one-size-fits-all approach is crucial.



Also, I ‌hope to‌ see more gyms actively integrating adaptive equipment and​ creating⁤ spaces that‌ are truly​ inclusive.



**Interviewer:** what message do you have for ‌other stroke survivors who are hesitant to⁤ return to physical activity?



**Maya Seah:** Don’t give up hope. It’s never too late to ⁤start. It has been a long road, but the benefits of exercise ⁤- physically, mentally, and ​emotionally​ – are worth every effort. You are stronger than you think.







**Interviewer:**‍ Maya, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story with us. You are an inspiration to us all[Source:⁤(Statedinformation)[Source:(Statedinformation)[Source:⁤(Statedinformation)[Source:(Statedinformation)

That time was incredibly difficult. Imagine waking up and not being able to communicate properly, struggling with basic movements, and feeling like your body betrayed you. It was a very dark time. I struggled with brain fog, muscle weakness, and even depression. But I had amazing support from my husband, Melvin, and my family. They kept me going.



**Interviewer:** Returning to fitness after such a significant event must have felt daunting. What motivated you to start exercising again?



**Maya Seah:** It was a slow journey. At first,just walking around the house was exhausting. But I knew from my previous experience that exercise was essential for both physical and mental well-being. I missed the feeling of strength and accomplishment I got from working out.



**Interviewer:** You’ve embraced dragon boating as a form of exercise. How has this activity specifically helped you in your recovery?



**Maya Seah:**



Dragon boating has been a game-changer for me. Its a team sport, which provides a sense of community and camaraderie that’s been amazing for my motivation and spirit. The rhythmic paddling engages my whole body and helps improve strength, balance, and coordination.



**Interviewer:** What message would you give to other stroke survivors who might be hesitant to return to fitness?



**Maya Seah:** Don’t give up on yourself. Ther will be challenges, but the benefits of physical activity are immense.Remember, it’s not about comparing yourself to others or chasing unrealistic goals. Start small, listen to your body, and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small they seem.



**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to fitness professions on creating more inclusive environments for stroke survivors and people with disabilities?





**Maya Seah:**



Patience, empathy, and open communication are key. Take the time to understand our individual needs and limitations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and adapt exercises accordingly. Most importantly, create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where we feel encouraged and empowered to push our boundaries.









**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Maya, for sharing your powerful story with us. Your strength and resilience are truly inspirational.



**Maya Seah:** Thank you for having me. I hope my story encourages other stroke survivors to embrace movement and find joy in fitness again.