Maitland residents put their best foot forward in 2020

February 6, 2024

AVID Property Group’s (AVID) Waterford and Harvest communities in Chisholm have hit the ground running in 2020 – literally.

On Friday evenings, residents lace up their shoes ready for Maitland local Alison Morgan of Morgain Fitness to put them through their paces.

The discounted group fitness classes are an initiative lead by AVID to help foster a healthy lifestyle, bring neighbours together and create communities in which people love to belong.

Personal trainer Alison Morgan said the availability of an onsite fitness group for residents has many benefits such an improving mental and physical health, increasing accountability and fostering a fun and supportive environment.

“Exercise releases endorphins which are a natural mood lifter – people who attend class regularly say they are not only fitter and stronger but have also seen an improvement in their mental and emotional health,” said Ms Morgan.

According to the Department of Health, more than half of Australia’s population is not active enough.^[1]

Ms Morgan said developers are placed in an excellent position to provide various health and fitness opportunities for their residents.

“Inactivity often leads to health issues, which is why it’s so important for more developers to do what AVID is doing and provide healthy lifestyle options in their communities.”

“At Waterford we offer quick 30–40 minute sessions with a variety of elements including bodyweights, agility exercises and partner work which are adapted to all fitness levels,” Ms Morgan said.

For Waterford resident Stephanie Thomson the fitness classes are a family event she attends with her two sons each week.

“My sons and I go to the classes together, it’s important that I set a healthy example for them and it’s a great way to get moving as a family,” Mrs Thomson said.

“It’s so convenient to be able to walk to classes in our own neighbourhood and work out in an environment we all feel comfortable in – you can’t take an 8 or 10-year old to the gym.

“I look forward to it every week – the classes are affordable, there’s a lot of variety, I catch up with neighbours and the kids love it!”

The group fitness classes are held at the Waterford Sales and Information Centre on Friday evenings and are tailored to all fitness levels – everyone in the Maitland community is welcome.

[1] Australian Government, Department of Health (2020) https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/exercise-and-physical-activity