Muscling into dream job

JARRAN Harris was born deaf, but the Hobart personal trainer hasn’t let it stop him from muscling his way into a dream coaching role.

The 27-year-old is the first instructor in Hobart PCYC’s pilot fitness program for the state’s 600-strong deaf community being led by a deaf trainer.

The free Instruct-Ability sessions are the only known ones of their kind in the country and PCYC staff hope – if successful – it will open up ca- reer paths for other members of Tasmania’s deaf population.

Allison Ritchie, Hobart PCYC’s general manager, expects the six-month pilot program will break down barriers for participation as well as showcase the talents of members of the deaf community.

“In my experience I haven’t seen any deaf people accessing our programs, which is a worry,” she said.

“We want everyone to come and enjoy sport and recreation in a safe place like the PCYC and we’re working hard to get as many people on- board and excited as possible.

“Another attractive element in offering this program is to highlight the value that deaf people can bring to the workplace.

“TasDeaf [now Expression Tasmania] have some wonderful people contributing across various professions and we are absolutely delighted to engage someone like Jarran.”

The hour-long fitness sessions, jointly funded by Hobart City Council, cover circuit work and weight training in a boot-camp-style atmosphere. Classes run four times a week, with two targeted at seniors.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Harris said deaf people often find communication an obstacle in gyms.

“I was a sporty person in high school and I like working out, but there’s always been barriers being in the hearing community so I thought, ‘Why shouldn’t I start something in the deaf community?’

“That’s why I became a personal trainer, so I could help deaf clients,” said Mr Harris.

To enrol, contact PCYC on 6230 2246 or email enquiries @hobartpcyc.org.au