Swimming won’t be the only way to get moving at Katikati’s Dave Hume Pool this season.

New group fitness classes using the facility’s outdoor gym will be offered when the pool reopens on Monday, September 28.

The classes, led by Sam Nicholson, are designed for all fitness levels and offer a supportive environment for people looking to improve their strength, fitness and wellbeing.

“Strength training is something that can benefit everyone, whatever your age or fitness level,” Nicholson said.

The Bay Venues’ staff member holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation and experience in sports including football, rugby, surfing, skimboarding and powerlifting.

“The classes are about keeping things simple, helping people feel comfortable using the equipment and building strength and confidence over time,” he said.

“If you’ve never tried an outdoor gym or group fitness class before, come along and give it a go – you might find something new that you really enjoy.”

Katikati’s Dave Hume Pool is the only public facility in New Zealand to have fitness equipment by Kompan, a Danish designer and manufacturer of outdoor play and recreation equipment.

default The Dave Hume Pool in Katikati.

The outdoor gym was part of a $2.5 million upgrade that earned the facility national recognition at Recreation Aotearoa’s annual Aquatics Awards last month, where it received a Merit Award in the Aquatic Facility of the Year category.

The award recognised excellence in facility design, operation and community impact, and acknowledged the partnership between Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Bay Venues and the Dave Hume Swimming Pool Trust.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council reserves and facilities assets manager Janine Field said the outdoor gym provided an affordable alternative to a traditional gym membership “and now there are classes to give people a bit more motivation and support”.

“This is another step in the evolution of the Dave Hume Pool facility, broadening the appeal to a wider range of people,” Field said.

Self-directed use of the outdoor gym is included in the standard pool entry price, while the group classes cost $15 per session.

Dave Hume Swimming Pool trustee Graeme Thomson said the trust’s vision was to create a community facility that keeps people active and connected.

“The outdoor gym and group classes are an exciting part of that vision, giving people more reasons to use the facility and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active and feel part of the community.”

Bay Venues head of aquatics Matthew Strange said the outdoor gym provided another space to get people moving.

“There’s something really appealing about being able to exercise outdoors in a pool setting,” he said.

“The outdoor gym makes the most of the space around the pool and gives people a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the facility in a completely different way.”

Dave Hume Pool’s Group Fitness Classes include a Sunday Boot Camp from 9am. The 45-minute sessions offer a fun and challenging full-body workout to build strength, fitness and confidence in a supportive group environment and are suitable for all fitness levels.

A 45-minute Monday Strength & Conditioning Circuit at 10am offers a full-body, strength-focused workout designed to build muscular strength, improve movement quality, and increase overall fitness. This is suitable for all fitness levels, with options to progress at your own pace.

A second Strength & Conditioning Circuit will be held at 10am on Wednesdays.

Classes begin September 28, and cost $15 a session. Payment can be made online at: bayvenues.jonasleisure.co.nz/ or at reception. Find out more phone 07 549 1069 or email: katikati.pos@bayvenues.co.nz