Sport Aberdeen was the first provider in Scotland to launch the pioneering ‘Good Boost’ programme – a unique aquatic rehabilitation service.

Good Boost sessions support participants with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions to participate in individually tailored, water-based therapeutic exercises in friendly and supportive group classes.  

The sessions are offered at two Sport Aberdeen venues: Get active @ Northfield and Tullos Swimming Pool. They are free for Sport Aberdeen members to attend or £6 per session for new customers.

Each participant is provided with a waterproof tablet-computer installed with Good Boost’s AI technology. The programme creates a personalised therapeutic aquatic exercise programme for each participant, displayed on the ‘Aqua Move’ app with instructional videos and details to support participants with mobility, balance and fitness.  

One participant Lauraine McMann’s experience was extremely positive: “At my hydro pool class I already attend at Tullos Swimming Pool, I was encouraged to attend a new class called ‘Good Boost’ by one of the instructors – and I’m so glad I did!”

“I’ve had three full hip replacements (my first at age 45), a full knee replacement and a crushed spinal cord from my neck down – all caused by osteoarthritis amongst other things. I could hardly walk, have had to use crutches for five years to get me around, my balance was very bad, and I had trouble walking up stairs.”

“After I signed up for Good Boost, I was given a tablet and I had to put down all my health conditions and disabilities, then all the exercises you are given are tailored specifically for you. You log-in and get your own exercise regime.”

“I think this is fantastic as you know you are being taught the proper method of each exercise, without pain and discomfort whilst doing so.”

“I’ve been going to Good Boost for about 16 weeks and I can’t believe how far I’ve come on! It has given me a miraculous feeling of self-confidence, my anxiety and stress has gone, I can walk the length and breadth of the pool without the aid of a float or bar to stop me falling.”

“I’ve regained my balance, I feel that my legs are stronger, and I can stretch them now without pain. I still have pain in my back but much less than before.

“Every session in the pool I’ve improved and increased my exercise level, this gives me a sense of pride in myself, bringing up my self-esteem.”

“The instructors are great, they are in the pool to help with any challenges, and they give out the equipment that you need in the 45-minute session such as floats or weights.”

“I personally feel that I am the main driver in my recovery, with the help of Good Boost and my instructor Carol who is a god send! Her sense of humour and outgoing personality means she fits in well with everyone and is encouraging and helpful when needed.”

“I just want to finish off by saying a BIG THANK YOU to Good Boost and Sport Aberdeen for all their hard work and dedication in helping people regain a good quality of life through a regime of regular hydro pool, tailor made exercise classes.”

“I have no hesitation in recommending Good Boost to anyone.”

Another participant Linda Sturton said: “I’m enjoying the Good Boost sessions as they allow me to exercise pain free whilst I’m awaiting knee surgery.”

“They allow me to exercise regularly which I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. I like how you can vary the workouts, use equipment like paddles, woggles etc. and also choose the length of time you want to exercise.”

“The pool is nice and quiet allowing you to concentrate on your exercises, with help available if you require it.”

Participant Helen McBrearty said: “I really enjoy attending Good Boost as it is helps with the osteoarthritis in my knees.”

“The water helps to make exercise less painful and working with the tablet, I can go at my own pace. I have also enjoyed getting to know some of the other participants and the staff at the pool who are very friendly and helpful.”

So far, there have been 2,713 GoodBoost Aqua sessions delivered by Sport Aberdeen since it commenced in May 2023. There are 123 individuals on the programme who are recurring users so have logged in to their account to view their exercises more than once.

Following the success of GoodBoost Aqua, Sport Aberdeen now offers GoodBoost Land classes which take place in the fitness studio at Get active @ Northfield.

The tablet allows participants to set their preferences to exercise in positions that they are comfortable with. To date, 87 land sessions have been delivered. Sport Aberdeen encourages those who have completed both Aqua and Land-based classes to continue getting active by taking out a Fitness membership. This provides access to all Sport Aberdeen gyms, swimming pools and over 100 fitness classes every week, as well as classes through the Active Lifestyles Programme – designed for older adults living with long-term health conditions.