Article reposted from the Illawarra Mercury January 2023
Elossa was created to safely challenge people over 60 years to become stronger and fitter. By combining science, expertise and passion, they will help you to achieve a stronger and healthier version of yourself.
Functional fitness is the fitness that will help you to do the things you want to do – riding your bike, surfing, bush walking or playing with your grandkids.
It is also the fitness that keeps you doing the things you have to do such as grocery shopping, gardening or hanging out your washing. Whatever your functional fitness goal is, your personalised Elossa Circuit will help you to achieve it.
“The good news is you can get your muscle strength back with regular exercise that includes a mix of strength, aerobic and balance training,” says Lilliana Barone, who is the founder of Elossa Fitness, a specialised gym for people aged 60 years and over.
“But many older people struggle to find a gym where they feel comfortable and can safely exercise at the right level for them. That’s why I started Elossa.
“We have members aged 52 to 88 who have found a place to do fitness with support and meet other people.
“We have no mirrors – that was a considered decision on my part. The idea has been in my mind for the past five years and I’m so pleased that my dream came to fruition in January last year.”
Reset 2023 – if you join in January or February this year you get two weeks of training free and one in 10 new members can win new shoes from Athlete’s Foot in a draw, as “good footwear is important too”.
Elossa Circuits are specifically for older people at all fitness levels. Designed by their team of accredited exercise physiologists, their circuits combine elements of strength, balance, cardio and flexibility to deliver improved functional fitness.
Exercising reduces the risk of heart disease, helps to manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol, reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes by almost 60 per cent in people at risk, and is good for mental health.
“Members start with a one and a half hour Exercise Physiology Assessment, which includes their medical history, any aches and pains or injuries so our exercise physiologists can personalise their exercise program.”
Special equipment from Finland means exercise physiologists can set up machines to adjust to each member. There are three different circuits at Elossa – Cardio Strength, Strong and Steady and All Rounder with a combination of strengths. A warm-up and cool-down is about 45 minutes.
Lilliana is a dietitian so is aware of the importance of nutrition – members can get referred to professionals if they have other issues.
Elossa hosts quarterly events where members can learn more about health and fitness, such as brain exercising, balance and strength, nutrition, etc.
“Members can come up with ideas of what they would like to hear about,” Lilliana said. “It’s all science and evidence-based information but also with a social aspect in mind.”
With the small ratios and medical aspect, private health clients can get a rebate, as can chronic care patients through Medicare.
“We try and be as inclusive as possible with tiers of membership and senior concessions,” she said. “Members can book in for one or more days each week – we are open Monday to Saturday.”
Training with Elossa will help you to continue to do the things you love to do, or go back to doing the things you used to do.
They would love to show you what they offer at Elossa so anyone can pop in on a Monday or Tuesday. Located at 102 Railway St in Corrimal, call 0452 356 772 or go to elossafitness.com for details.