Part 1: Health and fitness options on the Surf Coast, you just need to know where to look...

Some might think that our beautiful regional coastal towns of Torquay and Jan Juc are limited for choice when it comes to health and fitness options.

That is totally not the case. We actually have a fitness smorgasbord available (probably the wrong choice of word considering our focus today!). We are so spoiled for choice, making a decision about how to spend your time getting fit can be quite the dilemma!

Whilst we could run you through a list of all the options from boxing to Zumba, we thought we would focus on some of the not so well-known options available - that may not be on your radar unless you have your finger on the pulse, or an ear to the ground.

SPIN CYCLE CLASSES
Most people either love of hate spin classes, what can't be denied is that they work! A lovely local lass by the name of Katie Berechree has created a Spin Studio in her garage.

If you're like me, you need to be pushed by someone that is a walking example of the results you hope to get from your efforts. With Kate you will have no problem letting her push you...

Here are all the details of her class times and contact details...

PERSONAL TRAINING & GROUP TRAINING (with or without kids!)

There are a lot of us dying to get fit, but have pre-school aged kids at home with us most days (and run out of energy by the end of the day when our partners arrive home to allow us to finally head out kid-free for exercise). So, what's the alternative then? Bexercise of course!

Rebecca Badgery started Bexercise to cater for mums, so they can exercise around their children in a fun, friendly and safe environment. She runs group training sessions at her home in Torquay, allowing you to bring along your kids. There are toys, a trampoline, sandpit and lots of grass to keep your kids entertained (not to mention other kids there too!). Bec also runs one-on-one personal training session at your own home, or in public parks (if you don't have kids with you!), for those needing some extra focus.

I know of one mum using Bec on a Saturday morning (crazy lady choosing 7am training over a sleep-in!) at her home in The Sands, and has managed to gather a few other ladies to join her to bring down the cost of her personal training session, making it a 1:4 session - brilliant idea!

Bexercise Personal Training focusses on weights based training and also includes everything from Boxing to high intensity interval training, Metafit training and stack of laughs; every session is different and caters to ALL fitness Levels.

Bec has more than 15 years’ experience working in the health and fitness industry, a degree in health science/public health and is a fully certified personal trainer, She also has two young children herself and understand the joys and challenges that come with being a busy mum.

Bec offers a group training session at 9am Monday, 2pm Wednesday, and can provide personal training or private small group training at other times through the week and weekend.

Contact Bec on 0402415203 to discuss your options.
CLINICAL PILATES - CORE STRENGTH, POST/PRE-NATAL, REHABILITATION AFTER INJURY

Want to exercise, but suffering from an injury? Pregnant, but want to maintain a safe exercise routine. Need to strengthen your core after giving birth, and ease back into physical activity?

Coastal Balance Physio Torquay is a boutique physiotherapy and clinical pilates studio tucked away in the Surf City Torquay Shopping Centre. Set up by Canadian Born Cindy Parks, Coastal Balance has been working with Surf Coast locals for over 3 years now.

They are the only clinic in the Torquay area that offers:

• individually prescribed clinical pilates equipment based classes supervised by a registered titled physiotherapist;
• real time ultrasound assessments to ensure proper recruitment of core and pelvic floor musculature; and
• assessment and treatment by a titled musculoskeletal physiotherapist.

“There has been a lot of research to show that pilates is fantastic. It works on the local stabilising muscles around your joints and helps you to be more supported. Italso increases your posture and has been proven to reduce injury.” Cindy Parks, Clinical director of Coastal Balance

Photo: Surf Coast Times 30 July 2011

“It is also great for building up strength and flexibility to prevent ever getting an injury. We can tailor your treatment to suit your needs and make it as easy or as challenging as you want. It’s not high impact so it is a great way to exercise.”

Coastal Balance Physio & Pilates Torquay provides effective management of acute and chronic conditions they treat clients from all walks of life – young or old, athletes or non-athletes, pre-natal or post-natal. And because each session is run by a qualified Physio, you can claim back a portion through you private health fund - what a bonus!

Their areas of expertise and treatment include:

• individualised exercise programs.
• pilates classes (equipment and mat based).
• acute and chronic spinal conditions.
• sports injuries and rehabilitation.
• chronic pain and spinal stabilisation programs.
• muscle imbalance evaluations.
• injury prevention programs.
• sports pre-season screenings.
• patient education.
• manual therapy.
• anatomical acupuncture.
• real-time ultrasound.

There experienced team will work closely with you achieve your health and wellness goals, so that you can, once again, feel balanced in work, sport, and life.

Located at Shop 11, Surf City Torquay Shopping Centre, Torquay, Victoria. Call 03 5261 6688 and speak to Cindy to make an appointment.

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Stay tuned for part 2 of the Surf Coast fitness review... we might throw a few more male-focussed options into the next one!

Until next Time,

Your Neighbour!