by Cindy Lewis
Daily Lobo
Tucked away in a corner of Johnson Gym is a room full of weight machines, treadmills and parallel bars. But this is not a typical exercise room.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m. a group of people with physical disabilities and injuries meet there for a physical education class designed to meet their needs.
Ginny Wilmerding, coordinator of fitness instruction, said the Therapeutic Physical Education class is meant for anyone needing special services such as those in wheelchairs, stroke victims and people injured in car accidents.
Wilmerding said the class is not exclusive to members of the UNM community, but a doctor's note is required to enroll.
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She said the class is becoming popular among UNM students who are enrolled in a physical fitness class but are injured during the semester.
"Students can enroll at anytime during the semester," Wilmerding said. "Another point of this class is if you are in a swimming, weight training or aerobics class and you are injured, rather than having to drop it, you can transfer into this class."
Amanda Guzman, a UNM sophomore who was enrolled in soccer and racquetball classes, began participating in the specialized course this week after injuring her ankle playing soccer. She will be able to earn credit by taking the Therapeutic Physical Education class where she will receive therapy for her ankle.
Brad Potter, an Albuquerque resident, has been taking the class for nearly 10 years. Potter had a stroke in 1992 which paralyzed most of his left side.
He said because of the specialized class, his physical disability does not stop him from staying in shape. Potter said his left side has become much stronger and he is much more stable on his feet as a result of participating in the class.
"The physical aspect is extremely beneficial," he said. "However, in addition there are many psychological benefits. We have a friendly group here."
Sean Sullivan, a graduate student in physical education and the course's teaching assistant, said the University did not want to limit the class to students with disabilities.
"It provides a place for continued rehabilitation for people in the community who have physical disabilities at a low cost," Sullivan said. "Whereas they may pay $100 per visit for physical therapy care, we can provide it for $100 a semester."
Wilmerding said enrollment in the class has decreased in recent years and attributes it to a lack of knowledge about its existence.
"Several years ago the class had several sections with as many as 120 people enrolled," Wilmerding said. "This semester there are only 10 people enrolled."
She said there are more people in the community who could benefit from the class and hopes they will take advantage of the service that is custom designed to fit their needs.
"It really doesn't matter what your disability is, you still need to maintain physical condition and activity," Wilmerding said.
