By Ewen McRae
Bacchus Marsh locals Andrew Hibbs and Laurinda Veit know what it means to push themselves physically – and they’re hoping to inspire others to do the same.
They will open their own F45 gym this weekend, bringing to reality a long-time mutual dream – and having overcome many challenges in the process
Andrew’s ambition of a police career took a hit when he was involved in a car accident six years ago that resulted in the loss of his right hand.
“Obviously, something like that hinders joining the police a bit, but once I got into my rehab I was pretty keen to get back into staying fit,” he said. “I’ve got an electric hand for everyday stuff and this gym arm that I can use to grip weights and things like that.
“It’s been Laurinda’s dream for a long time to open her own gym – and now that’s become my dream as well.”
For Laurinda, simply walking into a gym was once a struggle after she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis as a teenager, becoming paralysed from the waist down.
She had to learn to walk again and credited joining an F45 gym with her sister several years ago as a turning point.
“I basically had to learn to do everything again, which was horrible,” she said.
“When you’re a teenager, things like that are not fun at all. So for years I didn’t exercise at all because I thought that I couldn’t.
“I’ve got muscles that still don’t work in my legs, but I got dragged along to F45 by my sister – and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s something for everyone in it, so I could always find something for me.
“Now it’s really exciting to have our own gym to call our own and help others in their fitness.”
The gym will open on May 4.
Details: facebook.com/f45bacchusmarsh
