May 15, 2014, 4 a.m.

THE year is less than five months old but Warrnambool aerobics exponents are already finalising state championships preparations.

THE year is less than five months old but Warrnambool aerobics exponents are already finalising state championships preparations.

EKB Fitness Aerobics coach Emma Bellman (centre) will team with her sister Sophie Bellman (left) and Aylish Auchettl for upcoming state and national events.

Forty-three athletes from EKB Fitness and Aerobics, ranging from seven to 24 years old, will compete in two major competitions in the next fortnight.

The hectic schedule starts with School Aerobics preliminary state titles at The Arena in Geelong on Saturday and Sunday.

The squad returns to the venue a week later for the Federation of International Sports, Aerobics and Fitness (FISAF) state titles the first step towards a potential berth on the world stage in October.

Coach Emma Bellman, who is among the 43 athletes competing, said the squad numbers reflected well on aerobics in Warrnambool.

This squad is similar to last year but there are a couple of new ones that will be off to their first states as well, she said.

Our local squad has grown again this year as well. Weve got lots of local teams and some local soloists and pairs and trios that are having a go.

Read more:
Aerobics generates momentum in Warrnambool - with a beat

By ADAM STEWART

News editor

Before water aerobics class Monday at USD 408 Sports and Aquatic Center in Marion, an older man walked in with a cane, and even that was laborious. Once he was in the water, though, he moved around without any apparent difficulty.

He wasnt part of the water aerobics class, but he demonstrated why some people choose water aerobics for exercise.

I cant walk too good, but here in the water youre buoyant and can walk easier, participant Jackie Hett said. Its a health issue with me.

Hett, 86, estimated she has gone to water aerobics about four years, and she goes all five days a week it is offered. She is able to keep up with all of the exercises the group does, led by Heather Calhoun.

She gives us a good workout, build up our heart rate, work out every part of our body, Hett said.

Calhoun took over the classes from Greta Smith in November.

I love it, Calhoun said. It gives me a daily exercise routine.

Participants are able to set their own intensity level for the workouts, depending primarily on the depth of water they do the workouts in. Without a floor to stand on, working out in the deep end of the pool takes more exertion, she said.

Read more:
Water aerobics take it easy on the body

Published May 14. 2014 4:00AM Updated May 14. 2014 10:04AM

Put your bare feet on the ground and your head in the clouds for a unique yoga experience on the Green in Guilford on Friday, May 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Yoga instructors Christine Gaynor, Ali Beale, Sue Brinigar, Leslie Prodis, Angela Creamer, and Lynda Corcoran will be accompanied by live music for this unique hour-and-a-half-long yoga experience.

"This group of yoga instructors are amazing. They find ways to give back, think outside the box, and offer unique experiences to people through yoga," said Guilford Parks & Recreation Department Supervisor Ellen Clow. "To me, I can't think of a better place to do yoga than the Town Green."

Gaynor, who has been a certified yoga instructor for the past eight years, has been practicing the ancient art for 40 years. She encourages everyone to come out to the event and give it a try, even if they have never done yoga before.

"I want people to know that you don't have to be flexible to do yoga, and that it is an exercise that can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities," Gaynor said.

"All of the instructors will be teaching, with each of us instructing for about 10 to 15 minutes apiece, giving everyone a little taste of our own individual styles," said Gaynor.

Many of Gaynor's first-time students are often surprised to find out how uncomplicated yoga really is.

"Yoga is an ancient practice that is far more than an exercise form. It is a way of fully meditating with the body and connecting with your breath. It is a mind, body, and soul experience," said Gaynor.

A donation of $10 is requested for the event. All proceeds will go to the Guilford Food Pantry. Pre-registration is requested. Those who registered for the January Yoga for Food event, which was canceled due to weather, do not have to re-register. For more information, visit http://www.guilfordparkrec.com.

Read more:
Yoga on the Green