Aged Care Gyms: How Exercise Is Transforming Strength, Confidence and Wellbeing at Eventide Homes
Across Australia, aged care providers are reimagining what ageing can look like, and gyms inside residential homes are becoming a cornerstone of that transformation. Research is clear: strength training is one of the most effective interventions to improve mobility, prevent falls, boost confidence, and enhance independence for older adults.
At Guide’s partner home, Eventide Homes in Stawell, an onsite gym filled with world-class HUR equipment led by an experienced Guidian is proving just that. Residents are experiencing measurable improvements in their strength, balance and daily function, demonstrating the extraordinary potential of positive ageing when allied health, innovative equipment, and motivated residents come together.
What Are Aged Care Gyms and Why Do They Matter?
Aged care gyms are specialised exercise spaces designed specifically for older adults, spaces that support safe movement, progressive strength training, and tailored rehabilitation. They are equipped with age-friendly machines, such as HUR’s pneumatic resistance equipment, which removes the risk of heavy weights and reduces joint stress.
Why do they matter? Because exercise is one of the most effective ways to:
Build and maintain muscle strength
Reduce falls risk
Improve mobility and balance
Boost cognition and mood
Enhance independence in daily life
And most importantly, because older adults want to move.
The Power of Aged Care Gyms: Benefits for Residents
Improved Strength and Mobility: Regular, guided exercise supports residents to gain the muscle power they need for standing, transferring, walking and participating in daily activities
Confidence and Independence: When residents see their own progress, their self-belief grows. Movement becomes easier, fear-of-falling decreases, and confidence increases, positively influencing every aspect of wellbeing
Social Connection and Engagement: Group circuits and classes offer more than physical benefits; they bring joy, connection and a sense of belonging
Personalised Goal Achievement: From standing independently to walking again, aged care gyms give residents the tools to reach their personal goals—big or small
The Eventide Homes Story: A Community Embracing Positive Ageing
Just three hours outside Melbourne, the small town of Stawell is best known for the iconic Stawell Gift. But inside Eventide Homes, something equally inspiring is happening.
Since 1953, Eventide has supported older adults across the Grampians region. For over five years, Guide Healthcare’s physiotherapy team has worked closely with Eventide to deliver innovative, evidence-based rehabilitation.
Our partnership has taken a major step forward with a purpose-built aged care gym equipped with world-class HUR machinery designed for older adults.
This investment has given residents the opportunity to improve their quality of life, rebuild strength, and embrace active ageing in a supportive environment.
Real Results: Residents Getting Stronger Every Day
Guide Healthcare Physiotherapist Tenny has witnessed transformative change firsthand.
Meet Leon. Leon set himself an ambitious goal:
To get back on his feet by the end of the year
With determination, structured physiotherapy support, and access to the gym, he’s making that goal a reality.
“Without the HUR equipment, it would not have been possible for me to get up and walk again.”
And Leon isn’t alone. Residents participate in circuit-style classes led by their physiotherapist, using equipment that adapts to individual needs and ability levels. The atmosphere is safe, supportive, and filled with genuine motivation.
What Makes an Aged Care Gym Successful?
A high-quality aged care gym includes:
Purpose-Built, Age-Friendly Equipment
Allied Health Leadership
Consistent, Innovative, Engaging, and Motivating Programs
A Safe and Supportive Environment
Who Can Benefit From an Aged Care Gym?
All residents can benefit! Particular focus areas might be those who:
Have reduced leg strength or find standing difficult
Experience unsteadiness or fear of falling
Have lost confidence after a hospital stay
Want to regain independence
Are looking for meaningful, enjoyable activity
Aged care gyms are suitable for residents of all mobility levels, including those using mobility aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aged care gyms safe for older adults?
Yes! Exercise in aged care is safe, even in a gym! Guide specialise in innovative exercise program design and implementation, providing engaging programs while maintaining safety.
Do residents need prior gym experience?
Not at all. Programs are tailored, supervised, and beginner-friendly.
Is exercise for residents with cognitive impairment suitable?
Yes. With allied health guidance, exercise programs can be highly beneficial, promoting routine, confidence and engagement.
How often should residents participate?
2–3 sessions per week is ideal for maintaining and improving function.
Can all homes introduce a gym?
Yes! Even small spaces can be transformed into meaningful movement areas with the right equipment and clinical leadership.
The Guide Healthcare Approach
Guide Healthcare is proud to partner with aged care providers across Australia to deliver evidence-based, innovative and fun physiotherapy-led gym programs.
Our focus is simple: empowering older adults to stay strong, supported and connected.
We support homes to:
Establish or enhance aged care gyms and exercise programs.
Enhance utilisation of your onsite gyms, and commercialise them.
Deliver structured, goal-based exercise programs
Build a culture of positive ageing
Improve resident quality of life through movement
Aged care gyms are more than fitness space. They’re empowering environments where older adults can rebuild strength, regain independence, and rediscover confidence. Eventide Homes stands as a shining example of what’s possible when the right equipment, the right clinicians and the right motivation come together.
Ready to transform your gym? Contact us below!
This article includes content adapted from the HUR Australia Newsletter (2025 Edition 2). You can view the original publication here:
https://huraustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/HURAustralia-Newsletter2025ed2.pdf