Community to enjoy health club upgrades

Winchelsea Health Club members will have access to refurbished facilities as the club undergoes upgrades to floor space, equipment and access during COVID-19 restrictions.

The Eastern Reserve-based club’s 200 members enjoyed access to cardio and strength training equipment, group classes and personal training prior to lockdown.

Surf Coast Shire council surveyed members and non-members to find out what would increase patronage and improve experience.
Long-term Winchelsea resident Tracey Langley, 56, has been a member of the WHC since it opened eight years ago and said she welcomed the revamp.

“I’ve lived in Winchelsea for 28 years and the health club means that we can access a gym and classes without having to drive into Geelong,” Ms Langley said.

“I was on the committee at The Hub (Eastern Reserve) so joined the first week it opened to show my support and have been a member ever since. The gym’s personalised, the trainers are always so helpful and the classes keep me on track.”

Improvements to the health club are due for completion in mid-October, and include: increased floor space to accommodate new fitness equipment, a fresh paint colour scheme and new flooring, a self-managed membership portal and 24-hour access to the gym for all members.

“The health club just needed a little more space, and some of the equipment wasn’t utilised so it’s great it’s having a little revamp,” Ms Langley said.

“I’m looking forward to going back when it’s safe to do so but at the moment I’m really loving the online classes they’re running.

“They’re fabulous because I can do them from the safety of my own home. It’s a really good positive way to keep people going, and stay connected. There’s older members who’ve learned how to use Zoom who weren’t tech savvy.

“It’s helped keep that contact, it feels like you haven’t really missed anyone. We catch up three times a week (online), get on with our exercises and can see everyone is happy and healthy.”

During Stage 3 restrictions Surf Coast Shire Recreation Centre members have combined with the Winchelsea Health Club to participate in online fitness classes, with classes for children scheduled during Children’s Week (19 – 25 October).

For more information about the Winchelsea Health Club, and updates go to surfcoast.vic.gov.au or search “Winchelsea Health Club” on Facebook.