Gym shapes up for FebFast challenge

23 February 2012

Gym shapes up for FebFast challenge

Configure Express the Gym For Women in Bethlehem, Tauranga, is helping people raise money for youth charities tackling drug and alcohol problems while reaping the health benefits of a month without alcohol.

The women-only gym is supporting the New Zealand Drug Foundation’s annual FebFast, which is raising money via online sponsorship and donations for four charities working with young people.

Configure Express Bethlehem manager Pru Wood says gym staff and members took part in FebFast last year and the gym wanted to show its support again.

“It’s a great event to be part of,” she says. “Many of the women taking part found that by not drinking alcohol they were able to lose weight around their tummies, which they had previously found difficult to shift.”

This year 44 people have signed up to take part at the gym, and Ms Wood says it’s going well so far.

Gym trainer Chrissie Culpitt is taking part again this year and helping to motivate the members to stay focused with this challenge.

Chrissie says: “It can be harder then you think and the encouragement really helps. There’s lots of women at the gym with kids, teenagers and grandchildren and we’re all keen to raise money to support young people who are at risk.”

FebFast Coordinator Catherine Milburn says it’s great to see local businesses supporting FebFast.

About 700 people around New Zealand have given up alcohol for all of February to raise money for FebFast. More information is available is www.febfast.org.nz.

Ms Milburn says there is still time to sign up for the remainder of FebFast, and donations will be received throughout February and March.People can also text FebFast to 5338 to make an instant $3 donation.

The recipients of this year’s FebFast funding are: Evolve (Wellington), Rainbow Youth (Auckland), CareNZ (Waikato), and the ADHD Association (national).

ENDS