New "Moko-Fit" exercise groups for people aged 65 and over are starting in five other neighbourhoods. The "Moko-Fit" project stands for motor-cognitive exercise concept and is a free exercise programme for senior citizens that takes place outdoors in various parks, sports grounds and green spaces in the Chemnitz city area and is run by qualified exercise instructors. It has been offered since 2022 by Chemnitz University of Technology in cooperation with the City of Chemnitz Office for Prevention and Health and the citizens' platforms.
Through "MoKo-Fit", there are already well-established exercise groups in the following neighbourhoods Helbersdorf, Markersdorf, Gablenz, Siegmar, Rabenstein, Schönau, Kaßberg, Schloßchemnitz, Ebersdorf, Sonnenberg and Bernsdorf. The project coordinators at Chemnitz University of Technology are working with the Office for Prevention and Health and the citizens' platforms to organise additional groups and support the existing groups until the end of the project in February 2026. In this way, 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 interested senior citizens. New exercise groups have started or are starting in the following neighbourhoods since the end of May:
- Zentrum: since 26 May every Monday and Wednesday from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m., meeting point at the back of the Park of the Victims of Fascism (roundabout at Agricola Gymnasium)
- Borna: since 5 June every Monday and Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m., meeting point at the playground on Hölderlinstraße
- Kappel: since 6 June every Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m., meeting point on the meadow behind the building at 227 Usti nad Labem Street
- Erfenschlag: from 15 July every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m., meeting point on the outdoor area of the TU Campus Erfenschlager Straße
- Yorckgebiet: from 16 July every Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 to 10.30 a.m., meeting point in the Fürstenstraße district park
The background
"MoKo-Fit" means staying fit in old age with a motor-cognitive exercise programme. The content of the programme is challenging for both the body and the mind of the participants. The aim of the project is to keep older people aged 65 and over healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. The exercise units are structured in such a way that licensed exercise instructors initially take over the guidance of the groups with a maximum of 15 participants for 16 weeks. At the same time, volunteer mentors are trained in theory and practice, who then continue to supervise the exercise groups. This means that the groups do not disband at the end of the project period, but remain in place.
The exercises in the exercise programme are varied and easy to carry out despite physical limitations. In addition, the exercise locations in nature are perceived as pleasant and beneficial. Nearby indoor spaces were organised as a bad weather alternative. Participants also report physical changes, such as a faster gait or a better memory.
The exercises in the exercise programme are varied and easy to carry out despite physical limitations. In addition, the exercise locations in nature are perceived as pleasant and beneficial. Nearby indoor spaces were organised as a bad weather alternative. Participants also report physical changes, such as a faster gait or a better memory.
www.chemnitz.de/mokofit