Southbank walking group marks 10 years of movement and connection

A free weekly walking group established by JustInTime Personal Training has marked 10 years of helping Southbank residents stay active, connected and engaged with their local community.

Founder Justin Moran launched the initiative after establishing JustInTime PT in Southbank in 2012, motivated by a desire to give something back to the neighbourhood where the business began.

“Personal training was and still is a non-essential item and a luxury that not everyone can afford, so I felt compelled to give back to the community and to do so at little or no cost,” Mr Moran said.

He said the business’s continued growth had enabled it to keep funding the Southbank group and paying qualified staff to lead the sessions without charging participants.

“I seriously didn’t think too far past the desire to build a community, which we have,” he said. “To think we have achieved 10 years has blown my mind and I am very proud.”

Held each Wednesday morning, the initiative is described as “more than just a walking group”.

Along with exploring different routes around Southbank and the city, participants take part in exercises focused on posture, balance, strength, flexibility, mobility, fall prevention and cognitive function.

The sessions are led by university-qualified trainers and typically finish with coffee, conversation and plenty of laughter.

Mr Moran said walking provided a low-impact and accessible form of exercise, but the group’s broader value came from the education and social connection built into each session.

“Opportunities and experiences like these are simply massive and play a major part in building happiness, connection and friendships,” he said.

That social role is particularly important in Southbank, where many residents live in apartment buildings and can feel disconnected from their neighbours.

Original member Julie Clifton said the group had become stronger over time, with a solid core of regular participants.

“The walks we do are in different directions around the city, which is such a bonus, and everyone can walk at their own pace,” she said.

“There are a lot of laughs. The group is also a very strong social group, with members not only doing the weekly coffee but meeting up for other events outside of the walking group.”

Long-term participants Ron and Cath Margieson said the sessions supported mental health through social interaction while improving mobility, fitness and cognitive function.

Another member, Phil Boase, said joining the group had helped him remain active while managing long COVID and post-viral fatigue.

“Exercising together with other participants gives me more motivation and commitment to keep going,” he said.

“The unexpected bonus is the social interaction that I have also gained. It has connected me to other people in the local community and to other community activities.”

Mr Moran said one of the most rewarding outcomes had been watching friendships continue beyond the weekly sessions.

“The fact that many of the regulars are friends now and do many social outings together away from our group is just brilliant,” he said.

JustInTime PT has since established similar free groups in Docklands and Barwon Heads, with Mr Moran saying the positive response had reinforced the value of maintaining the initiative.

“We will continue to offer them all for many years to come,” he said. •