FUSS-FREEFitness

from Hello Sunshine | Winter 2021 | HS03

ARTS RADAR

Sarah Vercoe explores a world of fitness at o2 Performance, a hub for the community, inspired by the community.

O2 Performance is not your run of-the-mill gym. An allencompassing fitness hub, it’s a space where newbies feel just as at home as those who have made this place their own.

From the warmth of the welcoming staff to the thoughtful layout, there’s a sense of community that is refreshing.

The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s not like a regular gym. Something that Operations Manager Sam Cochrane sees as an important aspect of the experience.

“The layout was designed by a sports scientist,” he explains. “Factoring in how your brain would naturally depict the space depending on the purpose of your visit, every station has been carefully thought out to ease people in.

“When you enter you don’t see the actual gym until you’re a fair way in.”

All the heavy lifting platforms, which can feel intimidating for some people, are hidden deep inside the gym behind the group fitness rooms and away from the light-weights section.

Part of the specially-built Sports Hub that operates for the community, injecting profits back into the local sports associations on the Sunshine Coast, o2 Performance is surrounded by supporting facilities such as Allied Health professionals including Exercise Physiologists, Physiotherapists and Osteopaths.

As an all-inclusive centre, health professionals regularly frequent the gym using the well-equipped space to work with clients from all walks of life.

“Being for the community, we’ve taken into consideration any limitations the population might have,” Sam says. “It’s important for us that everyone feels this is a safe place for them,” he says.

“We’ve got specific equipment for clients in wheelchairs where they don’t have to transfer at all, they can simply roll their chairs in and the seats swing out for them. There’s also an exercise machine that allows paraplegics to not only use their arms but also strap their legs in, which is important for muscle maintenance and general well-being.”

The inclusivity extends to the next generation to instill a love of fitness from an early age. Specially-designed classes for kids aged 7 - 12 years focus on the foundations of fitness with the ethos that it’s never too early to inspire an appreciation of healthy living. based out of the Sports Hub allowing young athletes to use o2 Performance to refine and develop their skills. Featuring an on-site Exercise Testing Lab they can access the facility and come away with individualised programs that will help

With a steadfast vision to empower, educate and inspire health and wellbeing, their approach to living well is all encompassing.

“For us it’s about being active participants in the community,” Sam says. “We want to be involved as much as we can as well as being a safe space.”

Just a few years young o2 Performance has taken the opportunity to support people with disability, working with Community Solutions to provide employment.

“Zach on our front desk came to us through Community Solutions and is now a valued member of our team,” Sam says. “Their program has sent some fantastic employees our way.”

O2 Performance is as unpretentious as they come. A state-of-the-art yet modest gym it’s a place for anyone who wants to put their health first; there’s no ego here. Offering everything from yoga and pilates classes, bootcamps, box fit, a highly functional all-access gym floor and even a creche for busy parents, there’s a little something for everyone.

“We’re here to empower you on your journey, whatever path you’re on,” Sam said.

The rich tapestry of Sunshine Coast Hinterland life inspired a fashion shoot exploring the way style is born from observing natural shapes, patterns and textures. Drawing from the current trends in fashion I have gathered some winter looks that bring together folk, 70s vintage, feminine and artsy styles. The key to Winter dressing in 2021 is to layer up those sharp shapes, textural pieces, pretty lace, crochet and bring it home with bold coloured accessories.

The only place to shoot this Winterland wonderfulness was in one of the most romantic and eclectic locations on the coast – Mali Retreat. Models Lisa Curry and Mark Tabone gave us full access to their bohemian million star retreat to showcase where fashion reunites with nature giving a nod to nostalgia along the way.

Enjoy this fashion Winterland.

Mark wears short sleeve Sand Earth shirt from Okanui, 1800 652 684; Adina gold-plated with leather watch; (also left) two-toned fancy plait bracelet; rose and black plated cuff; gents ring is handmade by Jim Goulton in solid gold and antler from Maleny Jewellers, 5494 3477

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Lisa wears Soul Tunic Zig Zag Scales dress and Quinn stretch denim dress (as coat) from Ella and Sunday, 5455 5656; Sterling Silver Von Treskow curb necklace with fancy bolt ring and coin; Sterling Silver fancy hammered earrings and pear-shaped Citrine ring set in Sterling Silver from Maleny Jewellers, 5494 3477

Mark wears white linen long sleeve shirt and navy linen pant from Okanui, 1800 652 684; Mens FILA polarized sunglasses from Hammond Optometry, 5476 2333; Adina watch with leather band; two-toned fancy plait bracelet; rose and black plated cuff; handmade solid gold and antler gents ring handmade by Jim Goulton from Maleny Jewellers, 5494 3477

Mali wears stylist’s own scarf