On Saturday 1 August between 8.00am and 3.00pm, Canberra’s fitness scene will experience some serious (but fun) payback.

Yep! Fitness First Deakin will be running a one-day charity event known as ‘Train The Trainer’.

In the weeks leading up to 1 August, Fitness First members have the opportunity to bid on their personal trainer in the hopes of ‘winning’. And the prize for the highest bidder? The chance to devise a routine and train their own PT through a gruelling 30-minute session.

For all those horrid early morning sessions where the likes of Jamie O, Aaron and Tim (heck, there’s a heap more PTs that should be named) have made you crunch, yank, push, haul-ass, squat and lunge into foul, weight-bearing positions….this is your day to get your own back.

Jazz from Fitness First Deakin explains the deal. “PTs will experience a flogging and it’s all for the incredible efforts of Vision Australia.” Every bid, every dollar proffered will go to improve their services to assist fellow Australians.

So, why Vision Australia?

Jazz: Last year I walked the Great Wall of China with a vision-impaired Australian, Janet. Ever since then, I have come realise how much Vision Australia does for their vision-impaired clients – such as fitting out businesses properly to help vision-impaired community members integrate into the work place more effectively. I spent a lot of time with Janet and her guide dog, Fergie, and really witnessed how few people know how to treat a vision-impaired person and their guide dog. The general populace doesn’t know how hard life is without great sight and it’s really hit a soft spot in me. I’ve wanted to work with Vision Australia ever since”.

So what will the day consist of?

08:00 – The usual early morning yoga session will be turned into a Blind Yoga class. Bring a mate (one you trust) ‘cause one of you will move through the yoga motions blindfolded – it makes it really hard to judge distance and keep your balance…. It’s about learning what it would be like to be vision-impaired and realising how much we take our sight for granted.

Mid-morning – Train your trainer. The highest bidders will put their PTs through their chosen moves. Everyone (including the general public) can watch, whoop, berate and cheer. So bring everyone you know and witness an exhausting reversal of roles!

Middayish – Games, raffles, offers and more!

14:00 – A Live Auction. Heads of departments (so without ‘naming names’, that’s Chris, Mike, Tim and Meg) will be auctioned off for more punishing training sessions.

“Fitness First members know their personal trainers, so if I were to put someone through a training session it would consist of things totally opposite to what they’re used to. Take Jamie O – he’s used to lifting seriously heavy weights but like, for only five reps. I’d be making him lift 100 times!” – Jazz

Who can participate?

The general public and Fitness First members alike can join in on Blind Yoga and all the raffles and games; but only Fitness First members are eligible to bid on their trainers.

Want to know more? Chat with Jazz at Fitness First in Deakin.