Published on Thursday, 10 April 2025 at 9:43:11 AM
Recommended by his friend and fellow member Alan, David has been a member since we had a tiny gym in the older part of the building.
David uses the gym, spa, sauna and pools and also attends regular yoga classes. He trains most weekday mornings and as of late, is often seen on the step machine or treadmill wearing hiking shoes and a backpack.
His latest training is in preparation for the grueling Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea this month, where he is planning to finish the trek on ANZAC Day in commemoration of this historic event.
David has already completed a number of other significant treks including Machu Picchu in South America, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and last year the Mont Blanc trek in Switzerland. In addition to these feats, he has also competed in the Rottnest Channel Swim, competed in the Avon Descent, done a cycling tour of Jordan and competed in the New York Marathon.
We spoke to David about his next adventure and how he's been preparing for it.
What does your training regime look like in preparation for the kokoda track?
I train for general fitness but when events come up I start changing it slightly depending on what I will be doing. If the events incorporate altitude I will often train with an oxygen reducing mask to allow my body become accustomed to less oxygen.
My training has only altered a little bit from what I normally do. I have added one session on the stair climber with weighted backpack and boots once a week as well as training at kings park doing jacobs ladder, Kokoda steps, DNA tower and Mount street. I have continued to do sand dune running once a week as well to strengthen the legs and for stamina. Other than that I continued my weights routine as normal.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL TREK?
It’s over 9 days trekking around 12 hours per day through humid conditions. It incorporates a number of water crossings with muddy ups and downs. For me Kokoda is also about the history and what our past heroes have sacrificed for our freedom. I timed this event so I finish the trek on Anzac Day so I am sure it will be very emotional feeling connected to what they went through.
I generally try to pick a physical challenge overseas once per year. It’s a good excuse to explore a different country. I have been very fortunate to have met some like-minded people who live throughout the world and we will often all meet up for the challenge together.
You’ve completed the Rottnest Channel Swim and the New York Marathon, how did these compare to the other events?
The Rottnest Channel swim was a yearly event so swimming at Beatty Park was part of my weekly routine.
The New York marathon I started training seriously about 4 months out with a proper running program. It was a combination of treadmills for the shorter runs and outside for the longer ones.
All of the events are quite physically challenging but a lot of it is mental to get you through.
What do you remember about the gym back when it was 'on the other side'? HOW HAVE WE CHANGED SINCE THEN?
The gym was quite small and equipment was very basic. However, it was quite quaint and like it is now other members and staff were very friendly. I was training in the pool more back then so the gym was an added bonus.
Beatty Park I believe is one of the best facilities in Perth. It has everything available for all ages and abilities so it always has a nice feel about it. Since the large renovations to the gym and pools it took the facility to the next level. Member numbers have increased significantly which was to be expected.
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