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The popular Futures Fitness Centre at the TAFE NSW Loftus campus in southern Sydney has ended offering low-cost membership of the facility to community members.

Members, students and staff had been campaigning to keep the facility open to members of the public ever since TAFE NSW announced it would cancel public memberships last year.

However, as reported by the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, since 20th December, these memberships have ceased

Futures Fitness Centre was open to TAFE students undertaking fitness-related studies and members of the public who received discounted gym memberships.

TAFE NSW advised in a statement that as an education and training provider, and delivering a first-class quality education to students was always its top priority.

A spokesperson explained “recent updates to our fitness course delivery have expanded practical training requirements, significantly increasing the amount of time required to assess students in a practical environment.

"This year, a range of student-run fitness classes and personalised training programs will be open to members of the public. These include personal training sessions by appointment, as well as regular seniors exercise and community group fitness classes, free of charge.

"This student-focused model is designed to deliver improved student outcomes and practical experience, while continuing to offer subsided fitness programs to members of the community.

"TAFE NSW is committed to supporting members of the public, including former gym members, to access these free programs."

One student who had wanted to keep the gym open to the public said the community memberships not only gave local residents and students access to an affordable gym, but allowed students to "practice teaching and training the members", something not available at other gyms.

The student, who is completing a Fitness Certificate III at TAFE NSW Loftus, told the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader “(we) are at a complete loss. We will gravely miss the experience and helpfulness of the members who so generously volunteered their time

"This loved community of students and members is something we cannot get back.”

Image: Futures Fitness Centre, courtesy of TAFE NSW.

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