Calisthenics club unveils first All Abilities class

AN All Abilities Calisthenics class will be made available in Torquay at the start of next year, providing a new and inclusive space to get hearts pumping.

Surf Coast Calisthenics is riding a wave of excitement following its annual concert, giving families a glimpse at the progress being made with the organisation’s new All Abilities group.

Club president Melissa Page said the introduction of the new group fell in line with the club’s values and paid homage to a founding member that passed away at the start of the year.

“We’ve been operating in Torquay for over 16 years and one of our pillars has always been one of inclusion, this is really echoed through our new All Abilities group,” Ms Page said.

“At the concert we did a tribute to Belinda Matthews, our club founder, who sadly passed away from a brain aneurysm in January of this year.

“A couple of friends and myself have been doing our best since her passing to keep the club running, and inclusion was something Belinda was a big believer in and loved the concept of an All Abilities Calisthenics class.

“So, we took steps to get Belinda’s concept off the ground and now it will become a realisation.”

Surf Coast Calisthenics, now home to 50 members including a small committee of six people, relies on fundraisers and community support to function.

Local support agency All Aboard Disability Support Services has held calisthenic classes once a week at its Torquay venue in recent months, producing tremendous results and interest for those living with a disability who want to try calisthenics.

Now, the participants will officially be welcomed into Surf Coast Calisthenics program starting in 2023.

“While the All Abilities class next year won’t compete in competition, they will still be a part of our community,” Ms Page said.

“In calisthenics, the values we always refer back to are teamwork, self-confidence and friendship and this really rings true to what we’re hoping to do with this new program.”

To learn more about the new All Abilities Class email [email protected]. Keep updated at the group’s Facebook and Instagram pages.