Robert will help kick-start your fitness for free
A generous Renfrew kickboxing coach is helping in the fight to stay active during lockdown by offer free online fitness classes for all the family.
Multiple world champion Robert McCallum and his coaches hope to bring communities together during the crisis with regular exercise sessions.
Robert, who has been involved in martial arts for 25 years, insists it is important for the body and the mind to stay active while stuck at home.
He told Express Sport: “We thought it would be a terrific idea to bring communities closer together in an attempt to keep everyone active and as upbeat as possible.
“The importance of keeping in good health is paramount, especially in these difficult times.
He added: “Keeping fit and healthy gives people the opportunity to build a stronger immune system and a tolerance to be able to fight potential infection.
“It is so important in many ways as it keeps the spirits up, allows families to work out together and brings a togetherness, not just with families, but also with the community.
“It releases endorphins that bring happiness and allows everyone to try something different as well.
“These classes are open to absolutely anyone as it is vital that we have everyone working together and being as positive as possible”.
“All sessions are completely free and we will continue to offer this throughout this current situation.
“Our moto in the club is simple – teamwork makes the dream work and with this attitude we will all help each other in more ways than we can imagine.”
The classes cover a range of exercises that include kickboxercise, circuit training, overall conditioning work and more.
Anyone looking to join in with these sessions should contact Robert or Kerry on the Robert McCallum Facebook page or by email at Robert@rmkb.co.uk
Robert and his team have also just completed an eight- week training programme geared to taking beginners from zero to hero. This was completed last month in aid of CHAS.
Robert came up with the idea of the Stand Up Stand Out event, which consists of anyone over the age of 18 enrolling and given training for complete beginners.
The Stand Up Stand Out events to date have managed to raise an outstanding £ 71,000 for several charities, including Accord Hospice, The Brightest Star, Ardgowan Hospice, Little Sisters Of The Poor, Autism Scotland, Malawi, Rainbow Valley, Justice For Jonny, Rosie Veronica, Stroke Association Scotland and CHAS.
Robert said: “Initially, we set out thinking this could be good in many different ways.
“We raise awareness and funds for charity, as well as improving the lifestyles and general health of anyone wanting to be involved in martial arts.
“We have had 140 people enrol for our events to date, which was phenomenal.
“Each and every one of the novice competitors loved the eight- week journey and the whole experience of being in that ring in front of friends and family was simply a fantastic feeling for them and one they may never experience again.
“Not only did they learn to kickbox, the overall results, whether it be weight loss, dietary, socialising, making new friends, or even finding the enjoyment of kickboxing, were more than they ever envisaged and it was simply brilliant.”
Robert added: “Each and every person who took part had a huge part to play in this and they should be immensely proud of themselves.
“A special thanks goes to our terrific team of coaches who gave up their time to assist and guide these competitors. Kerry McCallum, April Dowling and Abbie Scally were fantastic over the eight-week period.”