Paracise, a less-well known class that aims to make exercise more accessible, has been launched for those with learning disabilities.

The form of exercise class is low-impact and low intensity and is designed for people with reduced mobility.

Attending one of Manx Mencap’s recently launched sessions myself the first thing I noted is how inclusive and friendly of an environment it was.

Fitness instructor and dancer Sarah Goldsack invented Paracise after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

The form of exercise came to the island in 2019, with the paracise community continuing to grow.

Karen Cowin, who has been teaching Paracise for two and a half years,s explained: ‘During the time that Sarah Goldsack could not take part in regular exercise, she devised these routines to music to keep herself active.

‘Then wobble was created as an offshoot to that, which is basically chair-based paracise with some alterations, because they realised that not everyone could stand for 45 minutes.

‘So she got in touch with a physiotherapist and they put together wobble.’

Karen added: ‘I first got into it by attending a class myself, and becoming friends with the instructor, so I then helped deliver the class with her.

‘That was when I realised that it was something that I really wanted to do as I saw that it benefitted so many people in different ways.

‘I trained to be an instructor for both paracise and wobble.

‘Paracise is a 45 minute class which focuses on balance, posture, and working through a range of movements, which is personal to each individual as they exercise.

‘It also uses music, where you have different tracks to achieve different things.

‘The biggest thing that I am usually told by people is that they have no coordination, whether that’s doing a paracise session or a wobble class where they are sitting down’, said Karen.

‘I always say to them that it doesn’t matter what you’re doing. The fact that you’re thinking about moving is keeping the connection between the brain and the muscle alive, so you’ve got that neuromuscular connection going on.

‘It is also a very social class.’

Frances Tinkler Health Coordinator at Manx Mencap spoke about how the charity decided to offer the classes.

She said: ‘Some years ago, my daughter Elizabeth who has Down’s Syndrome, struggled with balance and coordination and one of the physios at the hospital told me that there was a new exercise class called paracise which works on balance and coordination.

‘So we went to the first class in the island, and it just took off from there for her.

‘So it is such a fun class, that I wanted to introduce it to people with learning disabilities to encourage their balance and coordination but mostly to give them a fun class.

‘They absolutely love it, they thrive on it, they learn the moves really quickly and they are excellent advocates for exercise and dance.

‘They incorporate the movements in the rest of their lives.

Asked how the class benefitted her daughter, Frances said: ‘Her self esteem grew hugely from it, her sense of inclusion, her physical health, particularly balance and coordination, improved hugely alongside her psychological health.

‘When she is upset, she uses paracise to calm herself down.’

For many with learning disabilities, societal expectations can impact their self-esteem.

‘I think on-island we have low expectations for our people with learning disabilities, and I think many of them are capable for an awful lot more than we give them credit for’, Frances said.

‘This was evidenced hugely at the venture centre, which we took a group to over the summer, where the participants took part in things that they had never seen before.

‘They were not afraid to try and at the end of it, they were all so full of pride, which was wonderful to see.

‘These activities also build a sens of community, and when all is said and done, we all like to live with our peers, and those with learning disabilities are a peer group.

‘What the paracise does, it gives a great sense of inclusivity, and they can take part in fully inclusive activities without being any different.’

Speaking to participants after the class, I saw how energised they were.

Oliver Riddell who attended the session said: ‘I love Paracise because I think it is a good combination of exercise and music.

‘It gives you the chance to build up your strength and get a bit of stress out of your life and move your body.’

Manx Mencap is a charity that provides support and assistance for people with learning disabilities and their families.

It has launched a number of activities in the past month to ensure that its members have events that they are able to go to.

Earlier this month, the charity launched soundology sessions, which uses sound as a tool for relaxation and better wellbeing.

These sessions take plae on Wednesdays at 2.30pm at the 21 Centre on Glencrutchery Road.

The charity has also started to offer Arts and Crafts sessions which take place on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm at the 21 Centre.

The charity will also be taking a group to Ape man Adventure Park as this is limited for numbers individuals can book on by calling 419660 or emailing [email protected] Paracise takes place on Thursdays at 3pm at the 21 Centre.