Fitness enthusiasts might hate burpees, a tough, high-intensity exercise, but they hate domestic violence even more – and this weekend, they’re fighting back.
Appalled to learn that the demand for domestic violence support has soared since lockdown began, F45 fitness centres in Ngunnawal and Queanbeyan will complete 1,000 burpees on Saturday morning to raise $5,000 for the Domestic Violence Crisis Service.
The DVCS offers 24-hour crisis support for domestic or family violence; last month, it helped 70 people in emergency accommodation, up 75 per cent from July.
“That number is shocking,” said Pip De Vries, owner of F45 Training Queanbeyan. “It made us worried about those vulnerable people in our community who are reaching out. Things must be pretty dire. DVCS … need community support to continue providing those services, when the demand is so much higher.”
The event will be held on Saturday between 8 and 9am, via Zoom. Each $5 donated will buy one burpee: a tiring, difficult exercise used in army training, Ms De Vries explained. It is a three-phase cardio movement: a jump down to the ground, a push-up, and a big jump off the floor.
But the advantage, said Eliza Rasic, F45 Ngunnawal director / manager, is that anybody can do these tough bodyweight exercises from home, without any equipment.
“For some reason, everybody hates this exercise – but they love to hate it!” Ms Rasic said.
The fitness centres hope at least 60 of their members will take part, 30 from each venue. “The more the merrier, but it doesn’t matter,” Ms De Vries said. “However many we get, we will get the burpees done!”
DVCS ambassadors – former Canberra Raiders captain Alan Tongue, and former Wallaby and ACT Brumbies player Christian Lealiifano – will also perform burpees.
Fortunately, nobody will have to perform all 1,000 by themselves; the burpees will be divided among those taking part.
“The beauty of is it is that people can jump on and do two if they want to, and just take part to contribute to that tally,” Ms Rasic said. “So we’re all going to cheer each other on and take breaks whenever we need to, so that everyone can do whatever they want to do.”
The event is also open to the wider public. If you want to take part, email F45 Training Ngunnawal or F45 Training Queanbeyan. To donate, visit GiveNow’s crowdraiser pages for F45 Training Ngunnawal and F45 Training Queanbeyan. You can watch the event live via the Ngunnawal and Queanbeyan Facebook pages.
Sue Webeck, CEO of the DVCS, said she was grateful to Mses Rasic and De Vries. “What a great initiative! Lockdown has impacted our ability to fundraise, so the funds will be put to good use.”
For gyms, the event is also a motivator at a time when fitness centres are in lockdown – something positive to focus on, Ms De Vries said.
“It’s a bleak time for small business owners, particularly gyms, so we’re looking for something to unite our community and make us think outside ourselves.
“You can use your small business community to achieve some good. There are people who are suffering a lot more than I am during this lockdown – as highlighted by the huge numbers in need of DVCS services. So Eliza and I encourage our communities to come together, to have a bit of fun, do some exercise, throw in a few spare dollars to raise some money, and get some burpees done.”
DVCS remains available to support people impacted by domestic and family violence, 24/7. Their team is available by phone, face to face and online.
“We want to support them, just as we did prior to lockdown, and just as we will after lockdown,” Ms Webeck said.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic, family or intimate partner violence, phone DVCS on 62 800 900.
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