Gold’s Gym Kippa-Ring partners with high school to inspire next generation of fitness leaders

Gold’s Gym recently opened its first South East Queensland based club in the former Target building within the Kippa-Ring shopping centre and is now partnering with Redcliffe State High School to break the concept of traditional PE classes and to give students a chance to explore their passions before graduating.

Traditionally the grade 12 students would complete their Certificate III in Fitness online and at school, but to add an even more practical side to their studies they are now hitting the gym floor and learning from expert Gold’s Gym Kippa-Ring coaches.

Redcliffe State High School teacher Kelvin Kuhle said it gives the teenagers a chance to learn skills and gain experience that is not available in an online learning environment.

Kuhle notes “there is a really great community among Gold’s Gym Kippa-Ring and with this opportunity the students get to learn from specialist trainers who really know their stuff.

“Over the eight sessions they will have at Gold’s Gym Kippa-Ring, I really want them to see the potential of the kind of work they can do in the future.”

The students are not just observing, they are actually taking part in the sessions.

Kuhle advised “so far we have done one session and a few of the students were surprised at the level of fitness expected of them.

“They are beginning to realise there is a lot more to the industry than what first meets the eye.”

Gold’s Gym Kippa-Ring coach Lochie Brophy took the students through a plyometrics and biomechanics session last week.

Brophy adds “the most useful knowledge a person can have is how to heal, prevent, and strengthen muscle groups.

“Learning about natural body movements is incredibly important as it’s not just about being good at a particular sport, it relates to what we all do in our everyday lives.

“This will teach them how to understand their pain points, how to feel better through strengthening and recovery, and the importance of the healing process.”

He would like to see partnerships like this continue to grow across the country.

“There is definitely a place for traditional PE classes, but by introducing programs like this it can help inspire those students who might not be naturally gifted athletes to find a passion within the industry,” Brophy said.

When completed, the certificate gives the students the qualification to become group fitness instructors or gym assistants.

Their next session will focus on ‘the big 3 lifts’ - the bench press, squat, and deadlift.