Free gym to open in Hastings on Friday
Hawke's Bay-based New Zealand International Taekwon-do Federation president Ben Evans knows his new gym, All Abilities Fitness, has been a long-time coming.
"It's been such a crazy journey. It was early February when I thought of the idea and began thinking of the name and logo," Evans (pictured above) recalled in the countdown to Friday's grand opening of the gym in King Street South, Hastings.
"We needed a name which met everyone's needs as I wanted a gym in which everyone was included, it is for the elderly, those with physical and intellectual disabilities, youth at risk, mental health services, those who were referred from doctors with physiotherapists. It will also be a safe space with a holistic approach," Evans explained.
A fifth dan black belt Taekwon-Do exponent and personal trainer, Evans, pointed out the gym has specific criteria and will be working with community organisations which the people he mentioned above are involved with.
"We are open to all to make contact with us and will take each case as it comes. We are happy to support schools with kids too," Evans said.
He claimed it is the first gym in the country which is free to support its targeted community.
"I feel this will be a great place to be and am proud we can continue to give back to our excellent community who need this," Evans said.
Representatives from the gym's sponsors will be at Friday's opening. The sponsors are:
Hastings District Masonic Trust, Speedy Signs, Complete Paint, Pub Charity, First Light Foundation, Flex Fitness Equipment and Atlas Fibrous Plastering.
