YOU\u2019VE likely heard of Christmas in July, but one local fitness business is mixing that concept up.<\/p>\n
Smythesdale\u2019s GenkiFIT is leading a \u2018Fitness in July\u2019 campaign aiming to get the community active this chilly season, with fun and accessible group classes.<\/p>\n
Held at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Facility, the exercise sessions on Monday and Wednesday nights are being led by GenkiFIT\u2019s owner of four years Jaymee Ellis.<\/p>\n
\u201cGroup fitness classes bring immense benefits to the local community while improving participants\u2019 physical and mental health,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe offer cardio-based and full body weight workouts, bootcamp-style and step classes. The overarching goal is to provide fun, inclusive, and affordable fitness classes to regional areas.\u201d<\/p>\n
Special one-off sessions will also be held, alongside more general workouts, including a glow-in-the-dark aerobics night.<\/p>\n
\u201cParticipants are invited to dress in white or fluoro clothing and are supplied with glow sticks and flashing bracelets on the night.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited for that session. It\u2019s going to be like the discos of your childhood, with glow sticks, disco lights, UV lights and a playlist of all the best hits you could ask for,\u201d Ms Ellis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere, we\u2019ll lead exercises similar to what we do in the step classes and turn it into a Friday night blue-light disco.\u201d<\/p>\n
GenkiFIT was launched by Ms Ellis\u2019 brother 13 years ago and has engaged over 2000 people in fitness classes since, also generating thousands of dollars for charity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have kept class prices at $5 since its inception, to allow people from any background to access fitness, community connection and wellness in the area,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The last Fitness in July campaign attracted over 70 new people over a month, and participants this time have the chance to win prizes, receiving a raffle ticket each time they attend a workout.<\/p>\n
The raffle will be drawn on the last Wednesday in July. Prizes include a Ballarat Sanctuary Day Spa voucher, a voucher to The Golfers Lounge, locally made hampers, fitness equipment, and meal vouchers.<\/p>\n