In December 2025, we surprised Wilma Klaassen with a large bouquet of flowers. She was, after all, the thousandth participant in our exercise program *Bewegen met Aandacht* (Moving with Mindfulness )! It was a wonderful moment for us, but Wilma had a different goal of her own: she wanted to feel fitter and stronger again. She has rheumatism, which sometimes makes exercising difficult. Now that the program is finished, she shares how she is doing.

In December, Wilma was still unsure whether she should participate. “I was really dreading it,” she admits honestly. “That was also because I wasn't feeling well at the time due to the rheumatism.” Fortunately, her husband Gottlieb persuaded her. Once she had started, trainer Jolanda also noticed how high Wilma's motivation was. “She became increasingly enthusiastic,” says Jolanda. “As the exercises became easier for her, her confidence grew. It also helped that Wilma used to be very active.”

Easier to move around the house
Wilma notices every day that she has become stronger. Things are going much better in the kitchen, for instance. Due to rheumatism, Wilma couldn't raise her arms properly for a long time. “At first, I couldn't get my arm higher than my shoulder,” she says. But now that is different. She raises her arm effortlessly. “I can now get something out of the top kitchen cupboard myself again. That is a real improvement for me!”

Getting up from a chair is also easier now. Wilma no longer uses her armrests. “I have learned that my legs have to do the work, not my arms. As a result, my legs are less stiff when I stand up.” An advantage of her new house in Putte is the large living room. She now walks more meters a day, just around the house.

More energy throughout the day
Wilma also notices that she has more energy. She finds it easier to keep going all day now. For her, alternating exercise with rest works well. “I take a short nap every afternoon,” she says. “That rest gives me strength for the rest of the day.”

Thanks to the exercises, she also suffers less from cold feet. This is due to the 'heel lifts', where she has to stand on her toes. “In the beginning, I felt sharp pains in my feet. That was a sign that the blood was flowing properly again. Now it feels completely normal again.”

Keep practicing together
The couple moved from Westkapelle to Putte last year. The move took a lot of energy, but they are not letting it stop them. Together, they keep moving. Recently, they even cycled 16 kilometers towards the port of Antwerp. “In the winter, we hardly cycled at all,” says Wilma. “But now that I am fitter, it is easier again.”

Wilma and her husband want to maintain their gains and both still go to the physiotherapist twice a week for their exercises. They also remain active together at home. Wilma says: “I often do the ‘heel lifts’ now while standing at the kitchen counter.” Trainer Jolanda gave her another important tip: “Choose fixed times for your exercises. That way, movement becomes a regular part of your week.” Wilma: “I got a lot out of the program. I have more energy and we are just going to keep going like this!”

About Mindful Movement
With each with a new client, we assess whether our exercise program fits. Participants train on their fitness, strength, and balance for 12 weeks. This takes place right at home with a trainer. The result? More independence and a better quality of life. We wish that for everyone.