Small grants make big impact across country SA - Jamestown men turn out in force for fitness classes

In Jamestown, Lisa Sartorio Physiotherapy used the grant to fund the running of Men’s Powerhouse Fitness Classes to promote men’s mental and physical health. Local men showed great interest in the classes and, in response to the demand, two more rounds of the six-week sessions were offered for men from the Jamestown community.

“I have not only enjoyed health improvement from the physical activity, but I have also greatly enjoyed the social interaction,” regular class participant Brenton Kupke said.

“I have felt more alert, enjoyed improved stamina and appreciated a lift in my mental health

throughout the course of each of these programs.

“While these benefits can be difficult to measure, it has been evident through the humour and jostling as a bunch of blokes gathered regularly, in community, outside of their work roles.”

Physiotherapist Assistant Jodie Thompson, who instructs the Men’s Powerhouse Fitness Classes, said they have been seeing very positive outcomes for the men who attended.

“It’s been of huge benefit to our community to have men regularly get together to improve not only their physical health but mental health as well,” she said.