Published on Friday, 19 April 2024 at 7:00:00 AM
We spoke to long-term member Georgina about her love of aqua fitness, and how Beatty Park has evolved since she joined in 2001.
You’ve been with us for 23 years! Were you coming to Beatty Park earlier than that?
Oh, definitely! Last century we’re talking here. It was actually my husband who got me into Beatty Park. I used to go to step classes at Loftus, and when I learned that there were step (which I love) at Beatty park, I came across. I’m not sure if I actually had a membership or if I came casually but it was certainly last century!
When and why did you start doing aqua fitness?
I started around 2005 when I was having a lot of trouble with my knee. I remember going to those first classes with Tanya.
I had a bony growth removed in my knee in 2012 so that’s what was causing my knee problems. But since then, I realised aqua is a really good workout and so I’ve really enjoyed it. When I first started coming, there were aqua classes in the morning that I could do before I went to work. I think it’s helpful for people who are still working as there are less options now, but I’ve stopped working to care for my husband, so I’ve got more options to do different things at different times of the day.
Do you still do group fitness classes or use the gym?
I'm on a full membership, and I always have intentions of coming to the gym too. Because I’m a carer, it’s not always easy to get away at different times. So, the only step classes that are now done are occasionally with the Energywise program.
I'd love to do more, I'd love to do more stuff in the gym. There’s always a plan to do more. But I get value for money because I get a seniors discount and I get a rate payers discount, which is another reason to come to Beatty Park because it's our local. I can use as much as I like, but I know every week I've covered my weekly membership cost through classes I can do.
What would you say to anyone wanting to give aqua fitness a go?
I’d say have a go!
Realise most people in the pool have been doing it for 20 years, they know what the instructor means when they say “kitchen chair.” So, you would sit how you would in a kitchen chair. And you’re not using your legs so much. There’s all sorts of different code words that you get used to.
I think you just need to have a go, people are really helpful and friendly, and nobody really says anything if you get it wrong. Everybody has to start somewhere!
What do you love about Beatty Park and what keeps you coming back?
Oh, it’s a bit of everything! But mainly the community aspect, making friendships, and getting to know people really well. You know you go for coffee and that sort of thing, and you meet some wonderful people!
I think also another point is that you see all sorts of shapes and sizes. You know, a lot of people who are not svelte, who are not in their first youth, you might think, "Oh, you don't want to come to the gym if everybody's in that sort of same demographic." But there's all sorts.
I really like that Beatty Park has been repurposed from something that was built in 1962 and it has constantly evolved to be an important community resource. It’s friendly, it’s got a great team, a lot of the staff have been here forever. It shows that it’s a good place to work if there’s long-term commitment from the staff. I’ve made lasting friendships too!
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