Working in the health, fitness, and beauty sectors, people of all shapes, ages, and demographics cross my path.
Increasingly, many complain that they're fat or unfit but they're bombarded with too much information. They don't know where to start.
My advice is always the same. Eat less, exercise more. It works. Whatever excuse you can conceive, it does actually work.
I like to try and help people, whether clients or not, begin their journey to a happier life. That's what these activities are about. You're welcome to join me. It's totally free.
I post social events and updates on my personal Facebook page, so follow/friend me there for the latest info.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I only log into Facebook every few days so the best ways to get my attention are Messenger, landline 07 4926 7778, or mobile 0422 276 202.
Have a brilliant day,
Andrew (Thommo) Thompson.
What is Thommo's Social Fitness (TSF)?
TSF is a new and informal social fitness group for 2024. It's open to men and women of all abilities.
The basics
Essentially, I provide opportunities for people to exercise with others, and find encouragement to do so, in small group settings, typically of 2 to 6 people.
These activities complement or form part of my existing personal fitness regime, so it's an easy service to provide and I love having new people come along.
I particularly enjoy helping beginners find their feet, and intermediate level athletes improve their performance and skills.
Risk
- You participate in any social fitness activity at your own risk. I'm not responsible for you and offer no guarantees for your safety.
- If you are overweight or haven't exercised for a while, get clearance from your GP before beginning any new course of exercise. I will assume that you have done so.
- I am not a free substitute for your PT, coach, doctor, or nutritionist. I'm happy to offer advice if asked, but it's not the only advice available. It's your choice alone if you take it, and you accept all subsequent risk.
Social Fitness Activities
The main activities at present are mountain bike and gravel rides around Rockhampton, and kayaking at Hedlow Creek.
I'd like to expand both to Mount Morgan and Capricorn Coast if there's enough interest.
Running and street skating are two other sports I dabble in and would like to see grow.
Throughout the year, I also try to put a small bunch of people together to attend other group's events in Central Queensland such as the annual Curtis Island social ride organised by Gladstone MTB.
Regular events at present are:
- Tuesday night Turkey Roll, a social ride held on the cross-country mountain bike trails at First Turkey MTB Reserve.
- Evening weights and resistance training at Goodlife 5-6 nights a week.
Social Fitness - What do I need?
Social Bike Rides
- Your bike must be in mechanically good order and suitable for the ride;
- You must wear a helmet and closed shoes;
- Riders must be at least 16 years of age or accompanied by an adult;
- Bring ample water, emergency spares including a tube and basic tools. Don't rely on other people to babysit you or you might have a long walk home in the dark.
- You accept all responsibility for your actions and preparations;
- You absolve Man Thing of all liability. You ride at your own risk;
- AusCycling membership is recommended for insurance. Free trial memberships available;
- If you are concerned that a section is too technical for you, get off your bike and walk it. Do not ride beyond your ability. Your personal safety is entirely up to you.
- If you want to play music, use headphones or ear buds etc - NOT speakers.
Social Bike Rides - night extras
- For road rides or small gravel sections, a good headlight at least 500 lumens is recommended.
- For mountain bike trails or gravel roads, you should have both a helmet light and handlebar light. A minimum of 2000 lumens combined is recommended. 3000 - 4000 is optimal for cross-country single track. Your local bike shop will be able to recommend a suitable setup, or give me a call and I'll talk you through it.
- A flashing tail light is compulsory if we are riding on public roads.
- Mosquitoes. Spring through to Autumn, mozzies can be thick in the bush at night. Apply insect repellent before setting off or they will find you when we pull up for a break.
Kayaking
- We usually kayak at dawn or late afternoon. During winter, we have a bit more flexibility and usually less wind to contend with.
- Kayak design doesn't matter that much. Sit-in or sit-on is fine. Rudder or rudderless is also fine.
- All social kayaking is in creeks, lakes, or within 500 metres of the current tide line on the beach. The furthest offshore we might go would be Bluff Rock off Kemp Beach.
- Recommended kit: Life jacket, sun screen, sunglasses,waterproof container for electronic items and food, drinking water. 500-1000ml for every 10kms is a good general guide.
- Make sure your paddle isn't cracked or broken.
- Dress for comfort, not glamour. Especially if paddling in a creek or lake, you'll probably get mud on your clothes. I keep it simple - speedos and rashie.
- Barefoot aqua shoes are highly recommended in case you put your foot down onto something slippery or nasty.
Gym
I use Goodlife, North Rockhampton. It's 24 hour, has good facilities, and there's a cop shop right next door.
Don't sign up long-term until you know that you like it. You're better off paying a bit more for a few weeks than getting stuck with a contract you don't want.
- Go to an initial coaching session with the PT they provide, and get a training plan.
- A few of us typically train between 9pm and midnight when it's quieter. It would be great to see this group grow.