Sport and fun despite health restrictions – for 25 years now at SV Fortschritt Lunzenau e.V.

In 1994, inspired at the time by Ms DM Ingrid Dänschel, preparations began for the establishment of a ‘Heart Sports Department’ in SV Fortschritt Lunzenau. These included contacting the Disabled Sports Association, the health insurance companies, the purchase of emergency equipment including a defibrillator and, of course, the training of a trainer, Ms Kerstin Sachse-Sterlemann.

In December 1995, the first heart sports group of the then district Rochlitz started their weekly training sessions. In 2020, the department will celebrate its 25th anniversary!

The focus of the training is on exercises that primarily strengthen the condition. But also the strengthening and stretching of muscles and coordination exercises are not forgotten. This is done through targeted gymnastics and exercises or sports games with small equipment. Above all, the sport should also be fun – laughter is one of our most important exercises. The group grew quickly. Starting with 6 members, it now has between 20 and 25 members. But not only the group strength has changed greatly over the years.

Ms. Heidi Wiedemann was trained as the second trainer. Both instructors must refresh their license every two years with further training. In 2011, the conditions for obtaining a licence were changed. Thus, the required refresher was also an extension of the licence to ‘ÜL Rehabilitationssport Innere Medizin’. This also allowed people with diabetes and diseases of the vascular system to be included in the group.

For 20 years, our sports group was supported by Mrs. DM Ingrid Dänschel on a voluntary basis. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude once again for this commitment. Because only if a doctor attends the training, the association can make a statement with the health insurance companies. These funds were always completely available to the entire sports club for the diverse club work in the 20 years. Doctors, who were present in representation, generally waived a fee. For this purpose, we would like to represent Dr. med. Dänschel, DM Putzschke, Dr. med. Schlegel, Dr. med. Call it Frind. A big thank you to these doctors too!

Since 2017, we have been doing gymnastics without the direct presence of a doctor. However, there is still a medical background service, which Mr. DM Axel Putzschke and on behalf of Ms. Dr. med. dent. Corte denies it. In connection with this service, our training time also changed, which now takes place every Wednesday from 13:15 to 14:45.

Over the years, there have also been some changes of location for our training. The first years, until the demolition of the old building, we were accommodated by the day care center Spatzennest. Afterwards we used the middle school dining room and the gymnastics room in the primary school, at the moment we are ‘at home’ in the gymnasium of the primary school. For the future – after completion of the planned new construction of our multifunctional building – we are planning a final move.

The Orthopaedics Group will then move into these new rooms, which has been expanding its range of services in the rehabilitation sports department since 2014, in close cooperation with physiotherapy Kerstin Sachse-Sterlemann, and Anja Lucas since September 2019. The licensed instructors are Anja Lucas, Vicky Müller and Sandra Lucas. The department's offer is complemented by a group of abdominal, leg and buttocks launched in 2020, as well as completed Nordic walking courses in spring and autumn.

At any time, all groups of the department are open to new members or students. Anyone who enjoys exercise, but may not dare to do it alone due to health restrictions or who receives a prescription for rehabilitation sports, is welcome to visit us for a taste. You will find that practicing in the group can be really fun. Personal boundaries are respected at all times and by everyone and many notice: With regular practice, you can also push these limits a bit for the better!

Kerstin Sachse-Sterlemann
Head of Rehab Sports Department
SV Fortschritt Lunzenau e.V.