A Gym Fit For Young And Old
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday January 16, 2003
KIDS these days don't seem to play cricket in the street any more, kick a football around the park or build cubby houses or hideouts with their mates.
They are more likely to be found indoors with packets of crisps and soft drinks close at hand as they play video or computer games.
Owner of the Downtown Gym in Wollongong, Lee Carr, said an increasing number of children were overweight, even obese, a trend he related directly to lack of exercise.
``When I was a kid my mates and I had to be called in for dinner just about every night because we were having too much fun playing outside, but unfortunately that's not the case for a lot of youngsters these days," he said.
But he's doing his best to help young people - and people of all ages - get fit.
His small and friendly gym is open to men and women and has children from the age of six on its books.
``The youngsters love it.
``We do a selection of martial arts moves from kick boxing to using the punching bags, working up a sweat as we go and it gives the kids an opportunity to exercise in ways they don't at home."
A former Mr Australia and a trainer and motivator at the gym, Brian Jones said there was no doubt that exercising was addictive.
``It's a fact that exercising releases endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals resulting in a feeling of well-being but it doesn't have to be taken to extremes," he said.
``Keeping fit is a lifestyle thing but it should be done in moderation.
``Lots of people have the impression that to be fit you have to commit to hours every day but that's not so.
``At least 30 minutes a day is great but it should be something you enjoy doing.
``(You should) vary the exercises to keep up the motivation whether it be bike riding, walking along the beach, running, swimming or whatever."
Mr Jones said whilst some people were able to remain focused and exercise on their own, others needed the support of a gym (which he calls the health pub) where they met like-minded people.
Mr Carr said everyone attending his gym - the oldest client is 75 - had a goal whether it be to improve self-esteem, gain confidence, meet people, lose weight or to change one's body shape.
``Not everyone wants the same result and it could be that some may want to increase endurance and others build strength," he said.
``It's a very friendly non-threatening place where clients can come and go as they like - there are no rules about that - and where we can tailor programs to suit individual needs."
© 2003 Illawarra Mercury