Townsville coach Darren Whittle transforms carpark into an immunity boosting space

A Currajong carpark has been turned into a safety outdoor cycle space by a personal coach helping his clients ride through coronavirus.

Darren Whittle, owner of Health Cycle, has adapted his classes to outside in the carpark. Pictured with participant Lynden Delahunty. Picture: Alix Sweeney

A Currajong car park has been turned into an outdoor cycle space by a personal coach helping his most vulnerable clients ride through coronavirus.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Health Cycle owner Darren Whittle had to rethink how he delivers his essential physical therapy service for 800 clients.

He has transformed his daily cycling routine into an “immunity booster”, zero contact, twice-daily outdoor training session.

“I’m mainly working with essential service workers like doctors, nurses, paramedics and police, along with immunocompromised people who suffer PTSD,” he said.

The 20-minute morning and evening classes encourage riders to train with a friend or family member to help ease the mental constraints of self-isolation.

Mr Whittle said he was helping his clients avoid falling into a quarantine routine.

Queensland Health worker Lynden Delahunty has been cycling at Health Cycle for 18 months and had started a six-week program before lockdown.

She said the new class structure had helped her stay healthy for the past month.

“You get to see people in a risk-free environment and I have lost 3.8kg,” she said. “I feel great considering the restrictions.”

Originally published as Townsville coach Darren Whittle transforms carpark into an immunity boosting space