Product test
Is this the thigh saver I’ve been waiting for?
by Natalie Hemengül
All aboard the office express! My walking frame’s no longer just a clothes rack
30.4.2024
Translation: Katherine Martin
From supporting me through my first steps to holding my clothes to zipping me around the office, my walking frame’s been through a lot. Even so, its service life is far from over.
Just over a year ago, I injured my spinal cord. Like a newborn baby, I was forced to relearn every movement from scratch. Seeing as this particular toddler weighs over 100 kilos, however, I needed a stable, reliable walking aid for my first steps. At that point, I knew zilch about walking frames, so I relied on my physiotherapist’s recommendation when picking one out. Enter the Gemino –
the very model to be crowned «test winner» by consumer magazine «Kassensturz» a few days ago. In honour of the Gemino’s victory, I’ve decided to write a few words about my trusty friend, its out-of-work phase and its second spring.
Taking my first steps in my apartment
Back to the beginning. When I’m discharged from the rehabilitation centre, I can only move my legs a tiny bit. I’m a long way from actually walking. With the help of a walking frame and my physiotherapist, I manage to cover just under 30 metres in five minutes (including two sit-down breaks).
I’m just about able to make myself a coffee standing up or walk a few metres to go to the toilet. At this stage, the Gemino’s light weight is still a disadvantage for me. Since I need to lean heavily on the frame with my arms when walking, the walker doesn’t have much purchase. My solution? Weighing it down with a couple of thick books.
Demoted to clothes rack duty
These past few months, I’ve been making progress. I can now get to the toilet at home with the help of a walking stick, and can cover a distance of 150 metres on crutches without a break. After that, it’s game over. I don’t yet have the stamina to make it out of the house with a walking frame. For longer distances, I need my wheelchair as usual.
As I’ve been using a walking stick at home and a wheelchair when I go out, the walking frame’s pretty much been forgotten. It sits in the corner unused until I repurpose it as a clothes rack. At its peak, it’s laden with three pairs of trousers, two hoodies, three T-shirts and a fleece. It valiantly puts up with being consigned to wardrobe duty, waiting patiently until its next assignment.
Office life gives the Gemino a second wind
When I start writing this article in my home office, my clothes-covered walker looks wistfully over at me. Although it’s doing an excellent job as a clothes rack, it feels out of place. It deserves better. It wants to move.
Without further ado, I chuck the clothes onto my bed, wipe off the dust that’s accumulated on the walker and fold the Gemino up for transportation. Tomorrow, it’s coming to the office with me!
At the office, I only ever use my wheelchair – but that’s about to change. The distance to our meeting room is still too far for me to cover with the walking frame, but I’m able to reach the kitchen. If I need a break, I can lower myself onto the Gemino’s seat. Sitting for a few minutes is no problem, but I don’t recommend spending long breaks on it. The seat’s too uncomfortable for that.
If you need a walker, I highly recommend the Gemino. I can’t fault its manoeuvrability, the handles are comfortable to hold and the brakes do what they’re supposed to. Not only does the walker cut a fine figure at my place as a clothes rack, it’s also suitable for quick coffee breaks at the office. And maybe, in time, it’ll be good for even more.
In a nutshell
Gemino’s a loyal servant
This walker is easy to manoeuvre, has ergonomic handles and a decent brake. The seat’s fine if you’re taking a quick breather, but it might be tight for people with a wider build. If you’re transporting it in your car, the walking frame can be folded up in one easy step and stashed away without taking up much space.
Pro
- manoeuvrability
- handle shape
- well made
- can be transported easily
Contra
- seat
Header image: Darina Schweizer
