A Tayside physiotherapist is helping to ease aches and pains with online fitness classes while raising money for the NHS.
Jana McNee, from Blairgowrie, had been teaching Pilates classes since September last year and quickly swapped to virtual sessions to provide mental and physical therapy during lockdown.
She has also introduced a low impact class for people with injuries or those who are new to fitness.
Video of Jana demonstrating a class is above this article
The classes are free but Jana, 30, is asking for a minimum donation to the Tayside Health Fund where possible. So far, she has raised more than £200.
The mum of two knows all too well the psychological impact of self isolation as her family went into quarantine before lockdown was announced when one person in the household picked up a continuous cough.
She said: “Mentally I found it really draining and you have entire days to fill when you can’t go anywhere.
“I found it very strenuous for my mental and physical health and thought about all the other people who have to stay at home, sometimes on their own.
“I wanted to give people a chance to meet up with others in a similar situation, have a sense of regularity, get fit and improve their mental health for no cost at all for those financially affected by COVID-19.
“Exercise definitely gave me structure to the days which helped a lot and is still helping now. I hope the classes are helping other people as much as they helped me.”
Many of Jana’s regular clients have switched from physical classes to virtual but new participants have joined, as a new hobby or to ease the aches and pains many home-workers are experiencing.
“As a chartered physiotherapist I know the importance of physical exercise for both mental and physical wellbeing better than most people,” she said.
“I felt compelled to use my skills and bring good to other people who may be in the same situation, especially those who are older and where it is more important to keep the muscles strong, joints moving and brain active.
“I designed the low impact class for all those who are recovering from ill health or returning to exercise after a long break. I found myself a new purpose and I have really enjoyed preparing the classes and having a laugh with my class attendees every week.”
Jana’s free Pilates classes are on Monday and Tuesday evenings, with the low impact class also on a Monday. They can be booked online at www.reviveonlinephysio.comÂ
