FITNESS

“PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR ALL.”

Since commencing our physical education service in 1991, Heartwell Fitness has worked with thousands of children and adults helping to improve their overall health, motor skills, body image and confidence.

PHILOSOPHY

Physical education for all is the cornerstone of Heartwell Fitness.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to inclusive, accessible health and fitness programs. Our clients may have diverse needs and goals, but our philosophy has remained the same: physical education plays an essential long-term role for everybody, regardless of level of function, ability or disability.

the heartwell gym

We are located on Wurundjeri land, in Doncaster East, Melbourne, with a specialised, private and fully-equipped facility including:

• Cardio equipment: treadmills, stationary bikes, recumbent bikes

• Weights and mat areas

• Heated swimming pool

• Multi-purpose hard court area with extensive sports equipment, for skill learning and game play.

• MotoMed: motorised exercise training machine for wheelchair users and those with limited upper body motor activity or vision problems, including spasm control

• VibroGym: specialised vibration plate

In addition, we offer a mobile service where appropriate.

about us

Heartwell Fitness was created to address the inadequate support available for people with varying levels of needs.

THE HEARTWELL FOUNDERS

JULIENNE ESPENSCHIEd

Julienne has worked in the field of education for the last thirty years. She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science, majoring in Physical Education, and worked extensively overseas in the area of special education.

SCOTT TAYLOR

Scott graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science majoring in physical education. He has worked within a variety of settings in the health and fitness field, including as a specialist advisor to professional sports teams (specifically the AFL and NBL), a private coach of elite athletes, and a teacher in various secondary schools in Melbourne.

the impetus

It was while individually working in mainstream school settings that Julienne and Scott both witnessed how difficult it was for children with varying levels of need to fully participate in the curriculum — along with the lack of resources for staff to provide an inclusive program.

Their mutual belief in the value of sound physical education combined with a passion for equal opportunity led them to establish the Heartwell Fitness organisation.

disability

THE WALLS OF THE HEARTWELL GYM ARE LINED WITH HUNDREDS OF PHOTOGRAPHS.

Legacy

Over three decades, Heartwell Fitness has worked with thousands of people, ranging in age from four to older than seventy years old. Passionate about inclusion, our unique programs cater to people of all ages and all levels of ability.

WHAT WE DO

With specific focus and support for an incredibly wide range of disabilities, Heartwell Fitness has four broad goals for our clients:

1. Improve physical skills and movement

2. Improve physical conditioning

3. Improve ability to access community/school sport and recreation.

4. Integrate wherever possible into other community activity

SPECIALISATION

We have provided services to clients with a countless number of conditions, such as:

• Acquired Brain Injury

• Spinal injury

• Amputees

• Cancer

• Cerebral Palsy

• Spina bifida

• Parkinson’s diseases

• Muscular Dystrophy

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Prader Willi Syndrome

REFERRALS

Referral to us can be made by most allied health professionals, including Physiotherapists, General Practitioners, and Occupational Therapists. Schools are also encouraged to refer.

Please contact us directly for further referral information.

NDIS

HEARTWELL FITNESS IS A REGISTERED NDIS SERVICE PROVIDER.

History

People with a disability can now access Heartwell Fitness through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Prior to implementation of national disability support, clients could only participate in our programs through their own personal expense. The establishment of the NDIS means everybody now has the opportunity for equal access. It is highly welcomed by us at Heartwell and we feel grateful on behalf of all those living with a disability.

Planning & Funding

Heartwell Fitness works directly with participants, nominated planners or National Disability Agency (NDIA) service providers to understand our clients’ individual needs and goals.

We specialise in children’s programs, but our services encompass all stages of life, from young adults through to the the elderly.

Our programs consist of tailored education and rehabilitation programs that provides skill development and exercise interventions for people with intellectual and physical disabilities along with other complex medical conditions.

Integration and inclusion being the priority means we work with the client along with their family, their school and other members of their medical team to provide a complete service and reach the most positive outcome.

access

Heartwell Fitness services can be accessed through the participant's plan NDIS funding under either of the following Support Categories:

• Improved Daily Living Skills.

• Increased Social & Community Participation.

OUTCOMES

Our programs are based on individual assessment of physical condition, skill development and exercise and rehabilitation goals. Some of the measurable changes we assist in achieving are:

• Improved fundamental skill development

• Improved muscular strength and endurance

• Improved flexibility and overall fitness, along with cardio vascular capacity

• Improved balance, coordination, agility and mobility

• Improved ability to participate in community and school activities

• Improved weight management and weight loss

• Improved self-esteem and confidence

School Visits

In addition to our private facility, we are a fully mobile provider, servicing Melbourne and surrounding areas.

TAC

SINCE 1993, HEARTWELL FITNESS HAS BEEN RECOGNISED by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) as a SERVICE PROVIDER.

WHAT WE do

We devise and implement specialist physical education programs for those of any age injured in a motor vehicle accident.

Working alongside TAC support coordinators and other members of the allied health team, these programs focus on returning individuals to pre-accident life as much as possible. Through developing functional fitness levels and specific skills, we help to ease the transition back into school and community-based activity.

REFERRALS

Referral to our services can be made by your case manager, rehabilitation facility or hospital. Additionally, your doctor, treating therapist or school can also refer.

peewee p.e

PEEWEE P.E IS PHYSICAL EDUCATION DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN.

THE PEEWEE P.E PHILOSOPHY

The PeeWee P.E program teaches children fundamental and gross motor skills, setting them on the path for an active and sporting school life.

Established in 2004, this innovative early childhood program continues to tackle the soaring problem of declining skills, childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

OUR PROGRAM

Heartwell Fitness instructors are tertiary-trained with vast education experience. Sessions are fully mobile and equipped, conducted weekly for forty-five minutes at your preschool centre.

PeeWee P.E is a curriculum-based program. Through game playing in a positive, non-threatening and nurturing environment, children are introduced to crucial locomotive and movement patterns that are essential in the formation of more complex skills.

We provide specifically chosen stimulating activities, designed to enhance children’s spatial awareness, motor control and participation. In so doing, we address the alarming childhood health issue of obesity, poor fitness and decreasing levels of activity tolerance and skill.

The PeeWee P.E program serves as an excellent foundation for subsequent Primary School sport and Physical Education.

athletes

EVERY ATHLETE AT HEARTWELL FITNESS HAS A TAILORED PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR THEM.

COMMENCEMENT

Our initial testing phase determines an athlete’s current level of ability. We systematically work through strengths, areas for improvement and goals.

Conducted in a one-on-one setting in our facility, your potential is maximised with regular feedback, adjustments and retesting performed.

ONGOING RELATIONSHIP

Part of our commitment to our athletes is a focus on your overall improvement and long-term goal achievements. We pride ourselves on strong communication with the appropriate physiotherapist, osteopaths, Sports Doctor, parents and coach.

In the professional environment, we understand everyone must be informed to optimise performance for you as an athlete.

OUTCOMES

Every athletes’ sport has different energy demands, however the fundamental principles are the same. Development of code specific fitness is crucial to performing at a high level.

Our athlete program focuses on:

• Increasing agility, mobility and flexibility

• Increasing muscular strength, endurance and power

• Increasing cardiovascular endurance

• Improving skills and movement by integrating training methods into skill practice.