Starting out towards fitness

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 370, 22 January 1991, Page 2

Starting out towards fitness

Fitness is fast loosing its faddish nature and becoming more and more mainstream, with a number of options available to people for getting fit and maintaining good physical fitness. Charles and Thomas Mareikura run a gymnasium in Ohakune, with their own style of working out and Joanne Cookson wrote about her initiation into the lifestyle.

By Joanne Cookson When my husband and I came to Ohakune we decided we needed a sporting interest. Something to get us out and about and healthy other than skiing. Fortunately we were lucky enough to get involved with the local gym called "CharlesTom Fitness". We wanted something we could do together having time out from the stresses of life - phone, television and work. I remember the first night we went. Charles

and Tom introduced us to everyone and ran through the gear, how to use it and which muscles each one toned. Any problems or questions we had, they were there to help.

They set a programme for each of us that suited our abilities. Being overweight and not physical, I didn't think I'd fit in but there's a great team spirit, everyone encouraging each other, making the extra effort worth it, watching each other gain strength and, for some, loose weight too. The circuits Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5.30pm are great al-

though they are fairly high impact. I just stopped when I got tired and rejoined when I could get my legs into gear. Although I was a little sore the next day from using those dormant muscles I felt good and after the initial time things were plain sailing. Now I can keep up pretty much and we're enjoying a healthier and fitter way of life.