RESIDENTS and fitness students alike are going from strength to strength through a steadily expanding gym program at Beaudesert High.
The gym – based out of a simple classroom block – has come to signify renewed energy, vitality and strength for the residents who go there for free personal training sessions each week.
The school’s Certificate 3 in Fitness students have taken on eight clients from the public through this year’s Scenic Rim Be Health and Active Program.
The gym is also full in the mornings, at lunch times and in the afternoons with students and staff working up a sweat.
Now, through $40,000 of new gym equipment, the place is buzzing more than ever with the positive thrill of endorphins.
Beaudesert woman Heather Leo, 67, who is taking part in the program for the second year in a row and trains with student Nicole Beeston-Walshe each week, said it improved her sense of well-being.
“The benefits are instant – I feel better in my body, freer in my breathing and clearer in my head,” she said.
“These young people really know what they’re doing, and getting all of this new gear is absolutely brilliant – it’s just made the place.”
The school P&C and the federal government pitched in $20,000 each to deck the school gym out with new treadmills, rowing machines, spin bikes, a power rack, leg and chest machines and weights.
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz, who has found a renewed passion for fitness and health in his own life, said it was heartening to see such a strong focus on health and fitness at Beaudesert High.
“I know first-hand just how life-changing it can be to take good care of your health, and there is nothing I love more than to see people reaching their potential like the students and clients are doing here at the Beaudesert High gym,” he said.
“I congratulate the P&C on working so hard to raise this money for the good of the students and for the good of the community.
“I wish the students all the best as they pursue careers in the fitness industry and I take my hat off to the people of all ages, shapes and sizes who are getting in there and taking the opportunity to do something good for their health.”
Caption: Beaudesert High Certificate 3 in Fitness teacher Christie Carmichael and Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz are excited about all the new gear at the Beaudesert High gym.