Family gymnasium expands for public

Ruapehu Bulletin, 13 August 1991, Page 15

Family gymnasium expands for public

An enterprise that started out as a family interest has grown into a well equipped gymnasium offering a wide range of physical fitness services. The Ruapehu Health and Fitness Centre is run by brothers Charles and Rex Mareikura. "The previous premises located behind Sports Country had to

be vacated before Easter. So we were desperately looking for a venue," said Charles. "We were certainly grateful to Mike Wiggins and Murray McNeil in enabling us to rent their premises over the past two years for karate and fitness training". The new location, although tucked around behind the Ohakune

shopping centre, is much more spacious and includes new toilet facilities fitted by the brothers. The aims of the fitness centre are to encourage participation in sport and recreation by as many members of the community as possible for as long as possible; to provide martial arts training for young people; to enhance self confidence, fitness and

discipline and a sense of well being; to promote health awareness in the general community; to provide a social educational and recreational venue. The programme includes aerobics, karate, self defence, body toning and the very popular circuit training. As time progresses the community gym will endeavour to encompass other facets of fitness and

training, said Charles. "Our services are all volunteered and the expense of setting up such a project has always been primarily self funded," he said. He said they have accumulated the various gym equipment over the years, "so why not put it to good use?" "A handful of people have been in support of our project since its inception and our thanks

go out to those for their continued support." Rex Mareikuna, back from Surfers Paradise after 13 years has provided some fresh ideas and ultra distance runner Ziggy Bauer's services

,will also be welcomed 'again. 'Ziggy has always been a driving force in the gym and will continue to help whenever needed, as is 65 year old ' Turnpage 14