A bigger, better space to keep fit
A new $20 million gymnasium featuring an indoor functional room, weights room and outdoor acclimatisation zone has opened up at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct with 24-hour access.
The new gym isn’t just bigger, it also has greater climate control and equipment inside and outside, including a basketball court.
ABPTI Samuel Conti was stoked to have the new gym open.
“There’s heaps of space. The weights room is four metres wider and four metres longer than the old weights room,” he said.
“The ability to conduct strength and conditioning classes in a climate-controlled room has been fantastic for both us as the PTIs and the members.
“Since we’re moving into the physical conditioning program space, we can ensure a focus on strength and conditioning with the new rigs in the cardio room so that no matter which base you go [to], you will be familiar with it.”
CO Coonawarra CAPT Amy Bulters said the new facility was a welcome addition for personnel.
“These critical upgrades to our gym will allow for the future growth of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, to ensure it is equipped to meet our strategic circumstances,” she said.
“It’s going to do great things for increasing the quality of life for those on board.”
Near the change rooms is a blue and yellow painting featuring a snake and two people titled Continuation of Culture, by local Larrakia artist Trent Bundirrik Lee.
It was donated by the construction company Indigenous NACP Projects Australia Pty Ltd and represents the foundations that guide people to learn from Country, telling a fitting message of preparedness for the next generations.
With an ice machine, noticeboard and new whiteboards scattered around the building, the size and layout of the new space allows more equipment to be used and stored.
Gap Year SN Aurelia Costigan plans to make good use of the new gym, saving her a 25-minute drive out to her usual gym in Berrimah.
“This gym’s probably one of the flashier gyms I’ve seen up here in the NT,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into the functional fitness room and PT sessions here on base.”
With the new gymnasium, personnel have the option of keeping fit through physical training classes run by the PTIs twice a day.
