All-weather winter community fitness at the Avantirome
The Avantidrome is a world-class facility right on our doorstep that people may perceive as ‘just for elite athletes’,
but this fantastic facility is also available for the community to use. On Tuesday 1 July, 45 adult walkers of mixed
ages met at the Avantidrome in Cambridge for the first meeting of Sport Waikato’s indoor winter walking group.
“The aim of the group is to provide a new exercise opportunity during the winter months” says Sport Waikato district
coordinator Janis Jeffers. “The Avantidrome provides a generous indoor 410 metre circuit around the perimeter of the
complex that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels”.
The circuit’s intensity can be increased by walking down and up the stairs, and walkers can take the circuit as fast or
as slow as they like, for as many rotations as they are able.
“Not only will people of all ages and fitness levels keep fit and active despite the unpredictable winter weather, but
they will get to meet new people and experience the fabulous Avantidrome facility at no cost” says Jeffers.
The indoor walking group is ideal for those on a green prescription. A green prescription is a written prescription from
your nurse or doctor, and sets out some lifestyle changes that will improve your health and wellbeing. Sport Waikato
staff provide this service at no cost.
Future indoor walks will also include optional fitness stations placed along the circuit. At these stations the walkers
can perform short low-intensity exercises such as heal lifts, lunges or step ups and then continue walking around the
circuit.
Walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in the winter walking group at the Avantidrome on Tuesdays and
Thursday’s from 10am for the next three months.
A new mothers and buggies ‘Strollercise’ walking and cross training group will begin at the Avantidrome on Wednesdays at
10am from the 23rd June. Sarah Ulmer will join the group to motivate and encourage the participants, first time Free and
thereafter only a gold coin entry.
ENDS