Tasmanian Personal Trainer Michael Behrakis from DoDay is on a mission to help Tasmanians get active again. Following recommendations in the AUSactive report ‘A more active Australia for a healthier nation’, DoDay are offering free come-and-try sessions at an Open Day this Saturday in Hobart to make strength training more accessible and less intimidating for everyday Tasmanians.

“Training is for everyone,” says Michael. “But many people feel intimidated by the gym environment and think it is just for “fit people”. It's not.

“A few of my clients are on the NDIS, a couple of my clients are 200+ kilos, a couple are 55+ years old, and some are under 16 years old. One of my clients is just about to reach the milestone of losing 130 kilos, which is truly life changing.

“Some of my clients train to get their weight down because they are starting to have significant health issues, for some, it is for mental health, for most it's improved body composition at any size, but there are so many benefits to training that the objectives are really varied,” says Michael.”

DoDay is all about making training fun and making it a positive experience instead of something to dread or fear. Michael’s clients say that they look forward to each session and leave feeling better than when they arrived. Importantly, they are also getting great results. 

"Michael creates a safe environment for you in the gym,” says DoDay client Ben. “He’s understanding, but he also pushes you well. He genuinely cares. He’s demanding without being demeaning."

AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the DoDay Open Day is a great initiative that fits well with the recommendations in their report.

AUSactive has recommended a national voucher program funded by the federal government to encourage people to try a new form of physical activity.

'“For every two people thinking about exercising, one will give it a go and with over eight million Australians over the age of 15 going to a gym at least once a year training in the gym is the second most popular form of physical activity second only to recreational walking,” says Barrie.

“Personal trainers and fitness centres are the lifeblood of national exercise delivering 51% of national exercise-based physical activity.

“AUSactive’s role is to activate Australians to move more. We do this to improve national preventative health outcomes, and we share this goal with everyone across the sector. Our goal is empowering the professionals, like DoDay, who aim to get more Australians on the move – and moving more.

“Gymtimidation" is however a very real barrier and if DoDay can alleviate that it will help to get more Tasmanians active again.”

DoDay is hosting three free come-and-try sessions this Saturday, 27 May, at GTT Performance Centre in the Hobart CBD. Bookings through doday.com.au, from 12 noon onwards.

DoDay offers Personal Training in the gym as well as Online Coaching which makes training with a qualified coach accessible on a lower budget, along with Strength Programming.