Patti McCarragher wants people to have access to fitness opportunities, even if they have medical conditions preventing them from joining mainstream training programs.
McCarragher’s solution was med-fit.
“This is for people who need group training, but can’t be put into a regular stream… people with medical conditions, either chronic or acute,” said McCarragher, owner of TRC Crossfit and The Ripped Club in Tillsonburg at 20 Brock Street East .
In the past year, TRC has served clients with Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, and accident-related injuries.
The program includes cardio and HIIT (high intensity interval training), and mobility and balance exercises.
“We try to do a variety of different disciplines of exercise within their abilities.”
Group training with trainer Nick Michailow, in a class of no more than 8-10 people, helps make the specialized classes more affordable.
“They pay the same rate as regular, large group classes, but it’s more structured to their needs, like personal training would be,” said McCarragher.
Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 am at the TRC Transformation Centre, TRC’s private training studio at 102 Tillson Avenue, which they added about a year-and-a-half ago.
“In the fall we may also bring in some evening times.”
TRC Crossfit and The Ripped Club also offers Active Aging group classes for seniors, and the same affordability applies – McCarragher notes they cost less than personal training. Sometimes med-fit and active aging classes are combined, she said.
“It’s for seniors who just need to start at a different level.”