Out of their comfort zones
Grants available
Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au AN athletes’ training centre at Tuerong has been attracting a host of sporting groups to the Mornington Peninsula, including Super Rugby team Melbourne Rebels, Monash University Storm Netball Club and the AFL Umpires’ Association. The Compound, in Hunts Rd, specialises in outdoor training to suit all fitness levels, and focuses on using the correct techniques and building overall fitness and strength. Most training runs are done in a day, or even a few hours. Trainers encourage the athletes to step outside their comfort zones with training typically found on a military field, or obstacle course, rather than on a pitch or a court. The professional athletes work as a team to navigate the condensed five kilometre course, conquering obstacles such as the rope climb, monkey bars and giant quarter pipe. This allows coaches and selectors to assess how teammates work together, as well as developing their communication skills. Some friendly competition is encouraged between the teams and, once their rounds have been completed, they can demonstrate skills learnt by completing the course individually. “We wanted to provide a challenging yet fun environment for teams that is different to their usual sports training,” owner and trainer Clem Vertigan, said. “As the teams are all professional
In form: Teams training at the Compound centre in Tuerong are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and face a set of obstacles rarely found on sports fields or pitches.
athletes and have specific training programs in and out of season, it is important to provide something that is different and challenging for them to do, but to still make it fun. It is also vital that we consider individual athlete’s injuries and adapt their training program accordingly.” With a background in martial arts and personal training, Mr Vertigan said the five acre former quarry was the ideal site for getting people together with fitness in mind.
“I had done the Tough Mudder event at Phillip Island in 2012 and had the idea of bringing other athletes to train at a central location about 18 months ago; this is it,” he said. “The goal is to get them fit, bonded and working well as a team – while having fun.” He said different obstacles catered to every type of sport and exercised “every muscle in the body”. Some of the more difficult exercises involve climbing a rope and traversing
a rope. “There’s a lot of technique involved, it’s not just strength,” he said. “We’ve had athletes who cannot climb a rope and yet we’ve had 50-year-old mothers-of-four who can.” Mr Vertigan said he had trained leading athletes from rugby, netball, AFL and obstacle-course racing. “This is great place to build and develop overall skills, ability, endurance and team work to suit all fitness levels and abilities.”
SPORTING and active recreation clubs in Mornington are being encouraged to apply for funding in VicHealth’s active club grants program. “This funding is vital to helping many more Victorians get the recommended minimum of 2.5 hours per week of moderate physical activity,” Mornington MP David Morris said. “As well as the health benefits of keeping us fit and preventing illness, exercise helps reduce stress and keeps us alert and resilient. Research also shows that it’s a great way to get social. “Sport builds community pride and loyalty and offers people the chance to get involved, providing them with a positive sense of self-worth.” The grants aim to make clubs safer and more accessible by funding essential equipment, such as bats, portable goals, uniforms and balls. This round, VicHealth will be placing a particular focus on supporting sporting clubs and organisations that can attract more members, or improve participation opportunities among the Aboriginal community. VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said VicHealth was proud to continue to support local sporting organisations. “In awarding these grants, special consideration will also be given to applications from clubs in areas of socio-economic disadvantage, as well as clubs/organisations who can demonstrate that an active club grant will increase opportunities for regular physical activity in their community,” he said. VicHealth’s Active Club Grants applications close Friday 4 March. Details: vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub
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