The former pilgrim’s hostel at Mariastein Abbey dating back to the 17th Century was renovated at the start of the 1990s and adapted to be able to meet current demands.
The way to the Playfit exercise trail in the majestic park grounds leads you over a moss-covered path, littered with large, old trees.
The spiritual character of the extraordinary pilgrimage site as well as the fresh air and the visual delights of Mariastein all contribute to making it an ideal place for reflection. The beautiful park at Kurhaus Kreuz with its large collection of old trees, herb garden and enchanting landscape of the Jura mountain range are the sources of the “Wellness for body and soul”. People from all age groups come here to recuperate. Parishes throughout Switzerland regularly offer holidays for older age groups. “I noticed how some of our guests partook in very little exercise, even though it would have been beneficial to them”, said Sister Claire-Marie Essig, head of the hostel. When she first learned of the exercise trail several years ago, she knew immediately that this would be an appealing attraction for the Kurhaus. During the autumn of 2011 the moment finally arrived: the first pieces of outdoor fitness equipment were formally opened. Since then another Playfit appliance has been installed.
The way to the Playfit exercise trail in the majestic park grounds leads you over a moss-covered path, littered with large, old trees. Sister Marie-Claire enthuses about how “The equipment is very popular with the guests and is frequently used, by younger visitors, too.” She emphasised that “communal experiences contribute to good health. Our Playfit equipment is there to be used”, and she is happy when pensioners’ exercise groups or other groups register to use the exercise trail.
If time permits, the sisters also use the equipment, some of them even on a daily basis. They use it to massage, to spin and to stretch gently – age is not an issue here as the sisters range in age between early 40s to mid-90s. Whether you use the equipment on your own while enjoying the beautiful park grounds or in company while having a chat – your physical and spiritual wellbeing is guaranteed.
The beautifully designed Playfit equipment surprises in the way it serves to strengthen the circulation, flexibility, co-ordination and helps loosen the muscles, all in a simple and playful manner.
When it comes to training the shoulders the circular massage wheels are mounted in such a way that they can also be used by those confined to wheelchairs. The leg trainer lets you swing your legs right out – even if you’re wearing a sister’s habit.
The flexibility trainer works to improve not only your mood but your whole body, too. The back trainer is good for the lower back, and enjoys the best of company.
It’s certainly worth a visit in any case. When the weather is nice there is even a table and chairs put out in the park where you can enjoy the sisters’ freshly baked cakes. The extraordinary combination of nature and exercise experience in thought-provoking surroundings with coffee and cakes can be found at: Kurhaus Kreuz, Paradiesweg 1, CH – 4115 Mariastein. Tel: 061 735 1212.
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