Retired physiotherapist gets arthritis sufferers up and moving

You would never know Joan McArdle has had both her knees replaced over the past two years, and is coping with osteoarthritis.

She has a smile from ear-to-earas she moves around the room during her fitness class in Dorvalto the sounds of Donna Summer'sHot Stuff.

McArdle is one of dozens of people in the West Islandwho go to special fitness classes to ease the pain of arthritis.

"It's been marvelous helping with the arthritis," saidMcArdle. "It gives you all the exercises to strengthen your muscles, and keep yourself moving so you don't seize up."

Going at their own pace

The exercise class, which isone of five in the West Island, isdesigned to help people with arthritis. All five are led by retired physiotherapist Beverly Colbeck, who created the class 27 years agoat the request of the Arthritis West Island Self Help Association(AWISH).

"Everyone has a different problem and we do what we can," saidColbeck.

"So they're always encouraged just to stop if they've had enough, not to force doing anything, and go at their own pace."

Colbeck saidpeople with arthritis often can't keep up in a regular exercise class, but in her classes, their limitations are respected.

She covers everything from range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, balance, stretching and meditation.

"It all boils down to functioning, doing what they have to do in life, continuing to be mobile," saidColbeck.

Why a Montreal fitness class is beneficial for arthritis sufferers

8 years ago

Duration 0:52

Fitness instructor Beverly Colbert talks about the benefits of her exercise class for people suffering from arthritis.

Attendees from all over

For many of these women, the class is as much a social event as a health requirement. It's a chance to catch up on each others lives, and something to look forward to once a week.

The classes are given in Dorval, Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Pierrefonds. Over the past 27 years,Colbeck has had people come from as far as the east end of Montreal and Lavalbecause there are so few classes like hers on the island.

Aside from dealing with arthritis, CarolGavinhasfibromyalgiaand a degenerative spine. She saidshe started taking the class to help deal with the pain, and make life more bearable.

"It's amazing, not only the exercise, but the companionship, the empathy," saidGavin. "Knowing that you may be sore, but there's always someone worse off than you."

'It's the most important part of my week'

Last year, West Island Community Shares handed down $38,000 to AWISH to keep the classes going all year round. Colbeck hopes the funding continues, because she has seen how much the class has helped people cope with their arthritis.

CBC Montreal israising money for West Island Community Shares duringthe 37th annual CBC Montreal Christmas Sing-In charity drive.

• Why we chose West Island Community Shares as our charity this year

Anne Pallen who has rheumatoid arthritis saidthe class has helped her get her life back.

"I'd say it's the most important part of my week, I wouldn't miss it," she said.

What do participants think about their instructor Beverly?It seems her positivity and enthusiasm to help themis as much a part of what's bringing them back, week after week, as their desire to be pain free.

"They're living better, they're able to function better, and this is very important," saidColbeck. "It's so nice to see."

• Donate here to CBC's 2016 Sing-In charity: West Island Community Shares

More information about the classes can be found onAWISH'swebsite.