By Callum Ludwig
Embarking on a personal fitness or weight loss journey can be tough, both physically and mentally.
A little support can go a long way and the Yarra Junction Weight Support Group is starting up and welcoming any new attendees.
Organiser Margaret Baker said after the Yarra Junction TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) group disbanded over the Covid period, former members now wanted to start a new group.
“There are 25 members that are coming across, and we just feel that there’s nothing in our area like this for our health and wellbeing,” she said.
“It’s all for support and motivation, a lot of us have been going for a long time, 29 years for myself even. When I started, it took me two years to lose 13 and a half kilos and for 27 years, I have kept that weight off ever since.”
The group will meet weekly at the Yarra Junction Bowling Club for a weigh-in. Members can weigh and stay for a meeting from 6pm to 7.30pm involving motivational speakers or activities or can weigh and go just to keep track of their journey.
Ms Baker said the weigh-in is so important because it keeps members motivated every week.
“It keeps you on the straight and narrow and even if you get to Sunday and remembers you have to weigh in, it’s better to have three days to be good than none,” she said.
“Mentally, it’s more important than anything. If you’re on the right track, your mental health increases 100 per cent, which after Covid is needed more than anything. Once you are a part of the group as well you can call any one of us if you were stuck on something or need help, it’s all about support.”
No individuals are singled out and everyone has their own chance to set a goal and the time frame they wish to achieve it.
The group hosts community fundraisers for members in need and to fund guest speakers from organisations such as Diabetes Australia and the Heart Foundation or for trainers who specialise in activities like chair exercises.
There is a $10 joining fee and a weekly $5 fee to attend the group and anyone is welcome.
