By Sarah Matthews

Horsham Aquatic Centre manager Mark Meyer is in the running for two awards celebrating the life-changing work of Fitness Australia members.

Mr Meyer is a finalist in two 2021 Australian Fitness Awards categories, club manager of the year and male group fitness instructor of the year.

Fitness Australia is the industry’s governing body, with the awards open to members nationwide.

“I was quite surprised and humbled to be nominated,” Mr Meyer said. 

“It’s very special.”

Mr Meyer hails from Ballarat and relocated to the Wimmera about a decade ago. 

“I moved to Horsham for work and I’ve been at the aquatic centre almost 10 years,” he said.

“I started off on the gym floor, as a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor, then moved my way up into lifeguarding and junior management, centre director and I’m now the manager.

“It’s worked out really well. We love Horsham, it’s a great place to raise a family. It’s a really good community and we’re lucky to have such a wonderful facility like this.”

Mr Meyer said while the fitness industry had taken a major hit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with Horsham Aquatic Centre subject to closures and restrictions since early 2020, it was important to remain positive. 

“The best thing we’ve been able to do is continue to try to engage with our members and try to keep them healthy and active in multiple ways,” he said. 

“We’ve had to be a bit more creative in how we are doing that currently, but I think everyone has had to learn and adapt in the environment we’re in. I think as the lockdowns have gone on, people have been more willing to come back. 

“Initially, when we were locked down, there was a lot of fear about what it would look like and how it would be. But I think lockdown fatigue is playing a big part, in that when we do open up, people are very quick to come back.

“It’s really good to see everyone.”

Mr Meyer said he was pleased to open the doors to the public again, albeit in a limited capacity, and looked forward to further easing of restrictions. 

“It’s very exciting to be able to have the centre open once again and to see our path forward so we can actually fully open up again,” he said.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

The entire October 13, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!