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And move they did

They moved to the left, they moved to the right. They went left again, and instead of switching back to the right, they kept moving left. At least some of them did. 

There were plenty of giggles at Lois Robinson’s beginners low intensity group sessions on August 3 and 4. Especially when participants had to follow Ms Robinson during several cognitive skills games. 

“You went the wrong way,” Ms Robinson said good naturedly, as nine eager women attempted to follow her through different arm, leg and core movements, each one aimed at improving their strength and balance while playfully testing their concentration. 

Steph Gibbins and her friend Ros Gosson, were two women who attended the Monday night group. They said the thirty-minute session was a lot of fun, time convenient and the kind of exercise class they were looking for. 

“I’ve done Weight Watchers and some exercise classes with Lois before,” Ms Gibbins said. “I love how much care she puts into the classes. 

“They’re really enjoyable.” 

Ms Gosson agreed and complimented Ms Robinson for being a very supportive trainer. 

“She makes exercising fun and her classes gave me a chance to get healthy and get back on track.” 

In between calls to “suck those tummies in”, “keep your knees soft but not bent” and “stick your bottom out”, Ms Robinson ensured everyone who came along on Monday night enjoyed the experience and moved at their own pace. Under the moonlight in the Grafton Primary School playground, she guided her class through bicep curls, squats, pelvic floor exercises and ball games, never missing the opportunity to make everyone laugh. 

Mary McLennan, who also participated in the Monday night group, praised Ms Robinson’s teaching and said it was wonderful to be involved in a supportive exercising network together. She said exercising as part of a group made her try harder as she didn’t want to let other attendees down. 

“There is definitely comradery,” Ms McLennan said of the group. “Everyone is on a journey to improve their health. 

“I walk an hour each day and the classes allow me to do extra physical fitness. 

“I think group sessions create a motivating environment too.”  

Following the enthusiastic response on Monday night, Ms Robinson created a second motivating environment with her follow up group session on Tuesday morning in the Grafton Primary School hall. Although she jokingly questioned if she was working her participants hard enough when two women opted to keep their long sleeve tops on, Ms Robinson was pleased with the efforts the group put in. 

“Everyone has to start somewhere,” she said. 

“The two group sessions were a chance for people to come along, give it a go and see if it was for them. 

“Group exercise is about encouragement and it’s social and something we can all do together to have fun because it is so important. 

“Laughter is the best medicine and we need more of it.” 

Grafton local Chrissie Connors took part in the Tuesday morning group and credited Ms Robinson as “inspirational and a great motivator.” 

“I think more people need to come to her classes because she (Ms Robinson) is very knowledgeable and every class she teaches is interesting.” 

After receiving positive feedback from her two group sessions, Ms Robinson is eager to push forward with a new 8-week program called Get Active, Get Healthy. The program contains a healthy eating guide, fun challenges and plenty of training tips and advice to create a healthier body and mind in a sociable and fully supported community. 

All Get Active, Get Healthy participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace and within individual capabilities. They will of course, also be encouraged to have as much fun as possible. 

Anyone interested in signing up for the program can contact Ms Robinson on 0429 930 221.  

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, numbers for the Get Active, Get Healthy sessions will be limited to 20.