The Walruses

  O.F.E.C.

A quiet morning. The day begins, sun shining down on the beautiful rippling waters of the Manning River, light sparkling off it's surface. Suddenly the peace and quiet is broken by a loud "oomph" grunting noise as the blue backed walruses complete their twice weekly ritual with their traditional salute.

 Twenty or so "mature" gentlemen of various ages, sizes and backgrounds have just completed their exercise class at Taree Elite Fitness.

 

This is a unique class in that, unlike those normally accompanied by music, this class is accompanied by raucous laughter as "Teacher" reads the daily litany of required jokes.

This class began originally in August 2002 as a government funded Heartmoves class for Vietnam Veterans. The funding lasted for twelve months at the end of which the Vets involved refused to give up on their exercise class which, for many, had significantly improved their fitness and, in turn, their quality of life.

In the last five and a half years this extraordinary group has gone from strength to strength. Now no longer controlled by government requirements the group has expanded with many of the original vets inviting friends to join. A number of others have joined of their own accord - lured by the group's shining reputation perhaps, or maybe drawn in by simple curiosity about what all those blue shirts represent and why the wearers spend so much time laughing! Of course some have undoubtably joined the group so that they can participate in the legendary christmas party.

  

All joking set aside this class has a great deal to offer to those seeking to make a difference in their lives. Some of the participants have recorded radical improvements in  their health and fitness since they have been involved in   the class.

In reality the thing that keeps them coming to the class after all this time is the unity that they have gained through their association with each other. That's what this class is really about - health, mateship and humour. It is this special blend that is the formula for changing these "blokes" lives. 

So it seems that no matter how old you are there are no excuses for not exercising - you are after all:

 "Never too long in the Tooth ...er... Tusk!"