Fitness classes starting in Mandurah

FOR three years, Halls head residents Barry Thompson (71) and his wife Helen (68) have worked up a sweat in the annual HBF fitness program.

The couple said after arriving in Mandurah almost four years ago from the UK, they wanted to find a way to keep fit and meet new people.

“We joined HBF insurance and realised they offered this HBF fitness program in the park so we signed up,” he said.

Mr Thompson said participating in the sessions would help him feel healthier and motivated to exercise more often.

“Since completing the programs, I now cycle once a week, go to the gym and also walk 4km around Dolphin Quay on a Tuesday morning with my wife,” he said.

Mrs Thompson said it would be worth completing the eight-week program.

HBF trainer Kasie Celesto has been a trainer with the insurance company for four years.

She said it is always a positive training environment.

“Everything they learn throughout the sessions are easy, simple exercises like squats and planks which they can do at home,” she said.

According to HBF Community Wellness Operations Manager Richard Williams, HBF Fitness has shown growth in the Rockingham and Mandurah region over the past few years – with more than 1000 registrations in the past 12 months.

“We created the HBF Fitness program in 2011 with just one location to give something back to our members and support them to become more active and healthy,” he said.

“Since then we’ve spread to 21 locations across regional and metropolitan WA”.

This year in Mandurah, HBF are offering beginner, intermediate and advanced sessions across the eight-week program.

“You can expect a dynamic and exciting program that changes week to week to challenge you as you progress,” he said.

“We are offering HIIT at seven locations in Perth this year and if we get good feedback, we will definitely consider introducing the program to our Mandurah fitness programs in the future.”

For Mandurah residents, the fitness program will take place at two locations – Rushton Park on Wednesday afternoons from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and Kingsley Fairbridge Reserve on Saturday mornings from 7.30am to 8.30am.

The program starts on Wednesday, January 17 at Rushton Park.

HBF Fitness is free for HBF members, and non HBF members can participate in the program when registering online at hbffitness.com.au for $120.

Participants must be 15-year-old and over to take part in the sessions.

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