When John “Jingles” Inglese moved to Richmond in 2003, he and his partner signed up for a Yarra Leisure membership and never looked back!
“Over the years, Yarra Leisure has become much more than a gym for me,” he said. “It has helped me connect with people through coffees, social gatherings, and community events. Some of those friendships continue even with people who are no longer members.”
Through Yarra Leisure, John was able to become more involved in the wider community.
“Yarra Leisure gave me the confidence to join Richmond Union Bowling Club where I’ve now been a member there for eight years,” he said. “I’ve become the club’s junior bowls coordinator and help facilitate many social and community connections.”
John’s community involvement extends even further through his work with Melbourne Girls College, Richmond High School, and Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS), where he helps deliver school bowls programs.
“It’s all connected, the gym, bowls, schools, and community groups,” he explained. “We’re constantly encouraging people to get involved, whether through fitness at Yarra Leisure, social sport at bowls, or programs with schools. It’s about keeping people active, engaged and socially connected in different ways.”
When asked what he enjoyed the most at Yarra Leisure, John is quick to nominate the HIIT classes as his favourite. “The instructors are elite,” he said. “Group classes definitely motivate me to attend, perform and apply myself at a higher level than I would if I was just doing the same old thing on my own.”
In recent years, John has developed chronic osteoarthritis and hip issues. “The regular exercise I do at Yarra Leisure is imperative for maintaining flexibility and helping reduce my pain levels,” he said.
For John, however, the most rewarding part of his Yarra Leisure experience has been the friendships he has formed along the way. “We tend to check in on each other when needed, and we occasionally catch up outside the gym,” he said.
“Having my gym buddies attend a high tea event at my bowls club was one of my biggest achievements. Creating genuine friendships with other members has been the most rewarding outcome.”
When asked what advice he would give to locals considering joining Yarra Leisure, his answer is simple: “Do it! At first, it might take you out of your comfort zone, but the rewards are immense.”
“Through bowls, schools and local organisations, I’ve been able to help create social and community connections beyond the gym itself,” he said. “I think that shows how a place like Yarra Leisure can have a much bigger impact than just health and fitness – it can strengthen community connections and help people become more involved in the places around them.”
