Fat Farmers is coming to Clare, with The Valleys Lifestyle Centre hosting a ‘Come & Try’ morning on 5 August.
It is an opportunity for rural people to get involved in regular exercise, and share some camaraderie along the way.
The event is proudly sponsored by Platinum Ag Services, who will be supporting a free coffee catch up at The Valleys following the exercise session.
Beyond the initial Come & Try event, Fat Farmers group fitness sessions are planned for every Wednesday morning at 6.30am at The Valleys in Clare.
The Valleys Lifestyle Centre community wellbeing director Sonia Goss said she was excited to help bring Fat Farmers to Clare and surrounding areas.
“It’s really about bringing together like-minded people for a casual exercise session, followed by a social catch up and coffee,” she said.
“Sometimes coming into a gym can be a bit daunting for people, especially if they have never been before, but this is really about providing a relaxed, non-judgmental group fitness session.
“It is open to all levels of fitness, and participants will be encouraged to go at their own pace.
“I think the beauty of it is that it is aimed at like-minded rural people, so the opportunity to get off the farm, get into some exercise, and have a quick coffee catch up on-site afterwards is a great social outlet that really sets you up to feel good for the rest of the day.”
Fat Farmers founder, Maitland farmer Ben Wundersitz said Fat Farmers was a light-hearted name with some serious goals for improving rural health, but you certainly do not have to be fat, a farmer, or male, to get involved.
“It started out with just three farmers who decided we needed to get a bit fitter,” he said.
“I was in my 40s and had stopped playing footy. I’d go along to watch my kids play, have a hamburger and a couple of beers on the sidelines.
“With the pressures of work, and fast food, things started to catch up. My wife said I’d started snoring, so I went to the GP thinking I had sleep apnoea, but it turned out I just needed to lose a bit of weight.”
Mr Wundersitz headed to the gym, where he soon realised the benefits were wide-reaching.
“Within weeks there was less puffing at work, I stopped snoring, and being cardio-fit made every day easier,” he said.
“You start eating better, and the link between physical activity and mental health becomes clear.
“Every time I’d exercise, I’d just feel better and have a good day at work.”
Supporting the Clare Come & Try event, Platinum Ag Services managing director Peter Cook said he was excited to be involved. He said it made sense for the business to support its most valuable assets, the farming community and the people who work in it.
Platinum Ag is committed to giving back to its local communities, with sponsorship far-reaching across sporting clubs and community events in the regions.
“Our business operates in branches across rural South Australia and Victoria and without a doubt, the wellbeing of both our customers and our staff is paramount to the success and service we can offer,” Mr Cook said.
“We care deeply for our people and communities, and we’re proud to partner with The Valleys and Fat Farmers in working towards establishing a Fat Farmers exercise group for Clare and surrounding areas.”
Anyone wanting to find out more about the session are asked to contact Sonia at The Valleys on 8842 3999. For further details about Fat Farmers, visit www.fatfarmers.com
