Weymouth Club Begins
Program for Arthritis Sufferers
By Ed Carpenter
For the Weymouth Club
12/15/11

Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States. So says the Arthritis Foundation.

Pain, depression, immobilization, fatigue and, ultimately, de-socialization and isolation are the components of the chronic pain cycle. An individual can experience this when living with the pain of arthritis. Break into the cycle and the individual’s quality of life can improve.

The Weymouth Club is trying to do its part as it has begun the “Be Active With Arthritis” program that incorporates both the AFEP (Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program) and the AFAP (Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program) land and water exercises.

It is the area’s only health and fitness club that is offering the exercise program that was designed and is endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation.

Overseeing the Weymouth Club’s Arthritis Foundation programs, which are open to both members and nonmembers of the club, is Debra Quigley, who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was 19 years old.

“The purpose of the program is to encourage people to join others and get the physical activity they need to boost their energy, relieve pain, and improve their function level without straining joints.”

Quigley, who is certified by the foundation to teach both the land and water exercise programs, has been on the Weymouth Club staff for five years.

When she arrived, she taught the AFAP.

“You don’t have to be a swimmer to participate,” she said. “We have both a shallow and deep water program.”

The program has grown measurably over the years. What started with two classes has now grown to seven. Sessions are held Monday evenings, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Each session lasts about an hour.

Then, over the last several months, Quigley has been talking with club administrators about adding the AFEP, the land portion of the exercise program.

“They weren’t sure how well it would be received, but I was convinced there would be several interested,” she said. “Well, the class filled up in no time. Now we have 25 in the land program (the hour-long class is held Wednesdays) to go along with the 40 regulars we have in the aquatic program.

“We do have modifications in the program depending on the individual. For example, if we have an exercise where the people march in place, and a person is not able to engage in that activity, they can sit in a chair and march from a seating position.

“Movement is the best medicine,” she said.

The Weymouth Club’s “Be Active With Arthritis” program is not open just to senior citizens, as arthritis can hit anyone regardless of age.

“Juvenile arthritis is huge,” said Quigley. “There is also lupus and fibromyalgia.”

The Weymouth Club plans to continue to run both the AFAP and the AFEP as part of its ongoing efforts to help those with arthritis.

“I feel very privileged to be working at the Weymouth Club,” she said. “The people here acknowledge the need to work with the population living with arthritis pain. They realize we need to have both the aquatic and land programs for maximum benefits.”

Jane Holmes lives in Milton. She is the mother of three and grandmother of five. Three years ago, the arthritis in her left hip was so bad she had to take medication. She was in so much pain she was barely able to take her dog for the daily walk. Not only that but she had a vertigo problem.

She was a member of a club that had a limited aquatic program. Then the club closed, leaving her searching for a place that offered a program that would help with her pain. Some clubs did not have a pool, while others had a pool but not an arthritis program.

Enter the Weymouth Club and Quigley’s aquatic program.

“I am a non-swimmer,” said Holmes. “In fact, I didn’t even want to put on a bathing suit.”

She began in the shallow warm water pool and has since graduated into the deep end of the eight-lane club pool.

“My kids can’t get over what I have been doing,” Holmes said. “I am now doing my exercises in the deep water with the help of a belt. I have total confidence.”

Then, in early October, she signed up for the land program.

“It is amazing how it has helped my vertigo, as well as my arthritis pain,” she said.

When possible, Holmes attends the aquatic program on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the land program on Wednesdays.

“I am truly amazed at what I am able to do now,” she said. “I don’t take medication anymore and I can take my dog for a walk with no problems. I can now lead a productive life.

“I owe so much to Deb. She is knowledgeable and makes allowances for those with special needs. She is just fabulous. She is so gentle in her approach.”

“My mission is educating and inspiring those in chronic [arthritic] pain,” said Quigley. “Instructing trainers with research proven programs to reach the ever-growing population of those who experience arthritic pain is a key element of the Arthritis Foundation. Providing outstanding programs to improve fitness levels and quality of life is part of the mission of the Weymouth Club. The results speak for themselves.”