Brooke Street Movement Studio Hub: Classes with Gina Mendoza

Gina Mendoza is a long-term resident of the Macedon Ranges. She has worked as a clinical Exercise Physiologist since 2007. Gina has also worked as a university lecturer in clinical exercise studies, training and supervising many master's graduate exercise physiology students.

Gina’s original training was in professional dance studies and dance teacher training at the Victorian College of the Arts. She then went on to a career in professional commercial music theatre performance for ten years. Gina’s path shifted towards science and studying exercise rehabilitation after working with an elite-level ballet student who had had post-injury back pain.

During Gina's extensive career in dance and exercise rehabilitation, she created a children's dance program concept, a boys' ballet program in country Victoria, and the first Sports-Barre training presented at the Victorian Institute of Sport at the Australian Innovations Festival in 2005.

Gina brings a mixture of the arts and science into her practice as a clinician. She is delighted to be the Clinical Exercise Physiologist at Brooke Street Medical Centre and splash her creativity into the classes at Brooke Street’s Movement Studio Hub. Please see below for a list of classes and times:

Brooke Street Movement Studio Hub Classes

Post-Stroke Movers with Gina and Dr Chris Atkins – 10:00am Tuesdays

This exercise class is for those who have experienced movement difficulties post-stroke and will cater to individual levels of abilities. The exercises will be done to music as it helps encourage movement and there will be rails on the walls and a parallel bar to assist with balance. The class will explore the sensory experiences of movement and the use of imagery as we work on creative ways to help enable improved functional movement capacity.

• Our very own Dr Christopher Atkins will lead the discussion at each session. Being a doctor and having experienced a stroke himself, Chris’ insights will be invaluable and will play a strong therapeutic role in the entire process.
• Classes will be in two parts, 30-minutes of movement with Gina, followed by a 15-minute talk/discussion with Chris. The total time for this class will be 45 minutes; however, participants are welcome to stay for tea and coffee afterwards.

Senior Ballet – 11:15am Tuesdays

**Come try this class out for $15 a session on the 13 and 20 December. Please book at reception.

For ages 50 years old and above. This class is designed to improve your posture, range of motion, flexibility, strength, stamina, balance, and coordination. Enhancing whole-body movement, the class can assist with falls prevention, and through self-expression experience enjoyment and happiness.

• 45 minutes followed by complimentary tea and coffee in the Blue Zone social club area
• Cost $150 per term

Chair Exercise to Music – 2:00pm Wednesdays. It will also be live-streamed!

** Come try this class out for $10 a session on the 14 and 21 December. Please book at reception.

This class is open to all adults and is designed for those who have pain or standing balance issues. In addition, it is helpful for those who are overweight and want to get started with exercise in a non-threatening exercise class environment. The class can help improve your range of movement, coordination, core control, strength and flexibility while releasing endorphins and burning some energy.

• 30 minutes followed by complimentary tea and coffee in the Blue Zone social club area
• Cost $85 per term (in person) and $50 (remotely)

Parkinson’s Dance Club – 11:00am Thursdays

** Come try this class out for $15 a session on the 15 and 22 December. Please book at reception.

This class is designed for those living with Parkinson’s Disease but may also be suitable for those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis or post-stroke. The class is both seated and standing, depending on the capabilities of the participants, and incorporates music, imagery, emotions, patterns, memory, and coordination as a wonderful way of accessing movement. Gina is Dance for Parkinson’s trained, having completed advanced training.

• 45 minutes followed by complimentary tea and coffee in the Blue Zone social club area
• *Participants must bring a carer for all personal care assistance required.

Kids – 4:00pm Thursdays

** Come try this class out for $15 a session on the 15 and 22 December. Please book at reception.

This class is for kids aged 5 to 8 designed to assist with balance and coordination. Participants will be doing fun dance-style movements that help develop their perceptual motor skills awareness (spatial, direction, movement timing) and help build their physical confidence in movement overall.

• 45 minutes. Parents can sit in the Blue Zone social club area and have tea or coffee.
• Cost $150 per term.
• *A short e-book by Gina on perceptual motor skills awareness training in dance-style movement is accessible when enrolled in this course.