Mobility

Age may be measured in years, yet it is evaluated in mobility. The more physically active you are, the ‘younger’ you may seem to be. We can’t stop the passage of time, but we can certainly maintain, and even improve our agility and abilities. In essence, we can endeavor to slow the body-clock by being fit for life. 

The target of the Mobility range is not to train for sports, although participation in physical activity is a major plus. Often times, downward spiral begins through inactivity or even as a result of the most minor of physical mishaps. Trips and falls are among the most frequent triggers for injuries. In fact, it is universally accepted that three-quarters of fatal and non-fatal accidents involving older people are caused by slipping or stumbling. 

However, we don’t use statistics in designing the equipment, we use science. Working closely with university programs we study closely not just what the body does in these autumnal years, but also what the body, with a commitment to fitness, is capable of doing.

Much of the exercise equipment for elderly range is based on facilitating the training of fundamental skills, like walking on uneven surfaces or navigating steps and stairs. The Up & Go may seem simplistic in the extreme, a seat, a guide rail and a post to walk round, yet it mimics some of the most important movements. By timing how many you can do, you can accurately gauge the level of fitness. Similarly, the Stairs & Ramp, Double Stairs and Balance Board help to simulate the most common activities encountered during a typical day out and about.  Prevention is better than cure, but in the event of a mishap the equipment is also a valuable means of rehabilitation.  

The average lifespan of a caveman was 25 years. Today if you live in Monaco you can expect to reach almost 90. It is easy to point towards lifestyles as the source of this substantial but slow improvement, but the speed of the increase in our life expectancy is really quickening. In 1800 in Europe the average life expectancy was 34 years, by 1950 it was 62 and by 2020, it was 82 – by 2050 they expect, based on pre-Corona statistics, for Europeans to get an extra couple of years. What is behind it?  Better diet, medication and lifestyle are principal factors. They are all important and interact, but of the three, only lifestyle can be conducted without additional cost. Getting out there and doing it - KOMPAN Stay Fit equipment is a free ticket to better health.  

Frequently asked questions about the Mobility product line

Do I need to be fit to stay fit?

Obviously if you are fit then it is easier to stay fit and to move your fitness up to a new level. However the Stay Fit equipment is not a vigorous workout, it replicates the movements essential for everyday mobility and through that the freedom to have an active life. These are often labeled ‘the golden years’ but for far too many they represent the ‘rust era’. 

How many people can participate at the same time?

The equipment is for communal use rather than mass. Of course doing the exercises in conjunction with others adds to the enjoyment and happiness is the often underappreciated health benefit. As with most of KOMPAN's Outdoor Fitness products, one of the offshoot benefits of the StayFit equipment is the creation of new friendships.

Do I need expert help to understand how to use the Stay Fit equipment?

No, the exercises are simple. Beyond sustaining or improving mobility, a major benefit is in building confidence. Conducted frequently, the basic exercises will help in avoiding a potentially harmful trip or fall.

Any tips to avoid trips and slips?

Being more active and concisely exercising certainly contributes to stronger muscles and joints, heightened alertness and sharper response times and better muscle memory. 

The KOMPAN Stay Fit line is specifically developed for people who are in need of more activity and rehabilitation. Therefore, it comes with safety features that minimize the risk of injury - after all, this is equipment you'd normally use to recover, maintain muscle mass, and stay active.

Besides this, it's always a good idea to be wearing light sports clothes that enable a good range of motion and a pair of sturdy, non-slippery shoes.