The word gymnasium, originally spelled gymnazein, is Greek for place to be naked and derives from the Greek word for naked: gymnos. Historically, such a place was a place for both exercise, as well as bathing, especially social (communal) bathing. In 1598, the term was adopted from a "place to be naked" to a "place of exercise". The abbreviation to gym was introduced in 1871.
Healthcare consumers (patients and clients) typically seek out or are referred for physical therapy services because of physical impairments associated with injury, disease or disorders that interfere with their ability to perform or pursue any number of activities that are necessary or important to them. Health care consumers are directly benefited from the Therapeutic Gymnasium. Physical therapy services may also be sought by those individuals without any impairment who wish to improve their overall level of fitness or reduce the risk of injury or disease.
Definition:
Therapeutic Gymnasium is room or building equipped for indoor sports or a large room containing equipment such as bars, weights, and ropes, for physical exercise [Greek gumnazein to exercise naked] or building or room with equipment for physical exercise.
Gym based Therapeutic Exercise is rehabilitation oriented fitness program that are designed to improve strength, stamina, stability, flexibility, functionality, and/or mobility using exercise equipment that is specifically designed to meet needs of patients with acute or chronic health conditions such as, arthritis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, parkinson’s disease, physical disabilities or other problems or through individualized exercise routines that improve or restore physical function so that activities of daily living are no longer a challenge, reduce risk factors and improve overall health and fitness.
Therapeutic gymnasium should have the following facilities:
1. Therapeutic treatment private rooms
2. Remodeling of dressing rooms and bathroom facilities, with a large area for lockers.
3. Large windows that contribute to a bright environment and an ample and cosy atmosphere.
4. New physiotherapy state-of-the-art equipment.
The main advantage of this service is the interdisciplinary work, carried out by kinesiologists, physical therapists and doctors together with the medical professional ordering the treatment. All procedures are carried out under the strict medical protocol, inherent to each respiratory, cardiovascular or physical therapy specialty.
Equipment There's a cardio section and there is an aerobic section. The gymnasium is spacious, replete with electric treadmills, cycle treadmills, weights, equipments for strength training like wall bars, triceps table, multi-gym, television and music system etc.
It has wooden flooring and latest equipments like mobilization couches with adjustable height, traction unit, dumbbells, treadmills (electric and cycle), and multi-exerciser machines, in addition to regularly required equipments like parallel bars, wall bars, quadriceps table etc.
Exercise benefits/effects from the gym include:
1. Increased muscle strength
2. Increased flexibility
3. Weight Management
4. Reduced Stress
5. Improved sleep patterns
6. Enhanced self-image
7. Increased energy
The ultimate effect of therapeutic gymnasium is to improve overall health and physical fitness
Health Benefits of Gym Exercise and Physical Activity:
# Reduce the risk of premature death
# Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
# Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
# Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
# Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
# Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
# Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
# Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
# Reduce depression and anxiety
# Improve psychological well-being
# Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance
Aerobic Exercise:
Warm-up (10 minutes)
Purpose: to enhance the adjustments that must take place during exercise
Increase muscle temperature
Dilate capillaries
Increase venous return
Decrease chance of EKG abnormalities and arrythmias
Helps decrease chance of M-S injury
Aerobic Exercise Period (20-30 minutes)
Submaximal, rhythmic, repetitive, dynamic exercise of large muscle groups
Could be continuous for same activity or may be circuit or interval training
Cool-Down (5-10 minutes)
Purpose: allow time for body to adjust to changes associated with cessation of exercise
Prevents blood from pooling in extremities
Prevents fainting
Prevents cardiac ischemia and arrythmias
