From this month, new "Moko-Fit" exercise groups for people aged 65 and over will be starting in other parts of the city. The "Moko-Fit" project stands for motor-cognitive exercise concept and is a free exercise programme for senior citizens that takes place outdoors and has been offered by Chemnitz University of Technology in cooperation with the Office for Prevention and Health of the City of Chemnitz and the citizens' platforms since 2022.
Nine exercise groups with up to 15 participants each have already been set up in six Chemnitz districts (Gablenz, Kaßberg, Schloßchemnitz, Helbersdorf, Markersdorf, Siegmar) via "MoKo-Fit". A total of twelve more exercise groups will be organised in various districts by the end of the year so that as many Chemnitz residents aged 65 and over as possible can benefit from the advantages of joint physical and mental activity.
The existing groups are always open to senior citizens interested in health and exercise. A new exercise group will be starting soon in the following neighbourhoods:
- Ebersdorf: from 25 February every Tuesday and Thursday from 8.45 to 9.45 a.m., meeting point at the "Schneller Markt" playground (Herweghstraße)
- Sonnenberg: from 25 February every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30 to 11.30 a.m., meeting point at the "Bunte Gärten" playground (Augustusburger Straße)
- Rabenstein: from 4 March every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10 am,
Meeting point in Hans-Carl-Von-Carlowitz-Park (Trützschlerstraße) - Schönau: from 4 March every Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30 to 11.30 am,
Meeting point playground in Schönauer Park (Eichelbergweg) - Bernsdorf: planned from April onwards on the grounds of Chemnitz University of Technology (Campus Reichenhainer Straße) two afternoons a week
Background:
The "MoKo-Fit" exercise programme aims to keep older people aged 65 and over healthy, active and mobile for as long as possible. The exercise sessions are structured in such a way that initially, licensed exercise instructors will lead the groups for 16 weeks. At the same time, volunteer mentors are trained in theory and practice, who then supervise the exercise groups. This ensures that the groups remain sustainable after the end of the project period.
The exercises in the "Moko-Fit" exercise programme are varied and can also be carried out by people with physical disabilities. In addition, the exercise locations in nature are perceived as pleasant and beneficial. Nearby indoor spaces were organised as a bad weather alternative. Participants reported physical changes, such as a faster gait or a better memory. These positive health effects were also determined by scientists at Chemnitz University of Technology using various test procedures.
This measure is co-financed with taxpayers' money on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon state parliament.