Shirley, a 60-year-old retiree living on a property 45 minutes away from Cardinia Life, has seen her life change dramatically since joining the centre. For years, Shirley had struggled with knee issues, but a more recent and painful hip problem began affecting her mobility. After visiting several practitioners without finding a lasting solution, her doctor advised injections or surgery. Before taking that step, Shirley decided to explore alternative therapies.
“I thought water therapy, Pilates, and the gym would help strengthen my hip and knee while increasing flexibility,” Shirley says. After searching for the right place, she found that Cardinia Life ticked all the boxes. With professional staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and a comprehensive range of services, she knew it was the right choice.
The decision to join hasn’t been without its challenges. Travelling 45 minutes each way is time-consuming, but Shirley says the benefits far outweigh the effort. “It’s been a game-changer,” she shares. “Not only have I gained significant mobility in my knee and hip, but it’s also been a huge boost psychologically. It gives me hope and makes me feel better about myself. It gives me a sense of control.”
Shirley is grateful for the supportive instructors at Cardinia Life, who modify exercises to suit her needs. “They don’t tell me what I can’t do—they focus on what I can do,” she explains. “When I first started, I could hardly walk up stairs and limped into my first class. Now, every movement I take without a limp is because of what I’ve achieved here.”
Shirley recalls a recent incident that highlighted just how much her time at Cardinia has paid off. “I tripped on the footpath, but my body held up. If this had happened before, I would have been seriously injured.” She credits the strength and resilience she’s built at the centre for her recovery.
The community spirit at Cardinia Life has been another major benefit. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The staff go out of their way to help, making sure I’m doing exercises correctly to get the most benefit. They’re so encouraging, and that makes a world of difference.” For Shirley, the experience has been transformative. “I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Cardinia Leisure to anyone. It’s worth every minute of the journey. It’s changed my life.”
