Gregarious Greg gets patients to move their bodies

THE power behind a single smile is formidable. It can completely alter a person’s day for the better, lighten the mood in a room or bring a sudden moment of unexpected joy.

Greg Oosthuizen, a naturally positive individual, enters the occupational therapy (OT) ward at the Hillcrest Government Hospital each Wednesday with a beaming smile.

The 19 patients he was working with during our visit to the wing responded in kind. Their happiness radiated from them. The exercise session was definitely one of the highlights and firm favourites of their week.

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Upbeat and uplifting music blares in the background and the grins on each face are nothing short of infectious. After a bout of warm-ups, the wheelchair-bound patients are ready for their exercise and stretch session.

Greg, a personal trainer at the Hillcrest Virgin Active, greets each and every patient individually, either shaking their hands, placing a gentle hand on a shoulder or giving an enthusiastic hug.

He slips into a spare wheelchair, allowing himself the same range of movement as the patients in his class.

The exercise routine starts with a few stretches of the head and neck, working towards more complex movements involving the upper and lower body.

Greg hosts these sessions free of charge for patients and encourages rhythm, motivating them to move a little bit faster as the beat to the house and kwaito songs increase.

He adds subtle hints of humour into his sessions and rippling laughter runs throughout the OT room.

A few patients have come out of their shells since his work began more than a month ago and a few of them make their way to the front of the class and lead the exercise programme for a few rounds.

Don’t let Greg’s muscles or tattoos fool you as he has a calm and soft manner and brings a newfound energy to each of his classes.

When he introduces leg exercises into the mix, he walks around the room, giving personalised attention to each patient, helping them raise their legs and stretch.

The concentration on their faces is easy to spot as they attempt to mimic the moves and push themselves past their comfort zones.

The Enza Grace Hill Wheelchair Keep Fit programme has been running for two years and, prior to Greg’s involvement, was held every second Wednesday.

Due to his fun and enthusiastic nature, the patients were quick to ask for it to take place every week.

Greg entered the field of personal training back in 2010 but has been involved in fitness since high school.

He was in a car accident in 2008 which was followed by an arduous three-month stay in hospital, where he had to learn to walk again.

“It was quite hectic and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone,” said Greg.

“Everyone is different and I gauge the energy from them on what should happen next. We go through the basics and their training is very similar to how I would train an able-bodied client. It is about having fun and getting a smile on their faces. This is very rewarding for me and it is a way for me to give back to the community. I can relate to these guys.

“For me, they are not disabled, they are physically challenged. Life is all about finding your gift and the purpose of that is to then give that gift away,” said Greg.

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