Central Coast doctor Ash Bowden launches free exercise directory across the Central Coast

A Terrigal-based emergency doctor is keen to put an end to exercise barriers across the coast, launching a free exercise directory to suit anyone’s needs.

Central Coast emergency doctor Ash Bowden is showcasing everything from pole and burlesque dancing to anti-gravity fitness classes and kayaking on the Hawkesbury.

It’s all in the name of inspiring people to find their “best fit” in terms of exercise and fitness and get back into physical activity after Covid lockdowns.

Dr Bowden, from Terrigal, has relaunched his a free exercise directory across the coast called The Do More Search Engine.

The website was initially launched in 2019 however with lockdowns finally coming to an end and technical refining complete, Dr Bowden has relaunched the site which now boasts 700 local activities with around 140 registered providers.

“It’s cheap, free and easy to use,” Dr Bowden told the Express.

“There’s something for any age, for pregnant women and also scope for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. It can be anything from specified classes run by health providers to gym classes, scuba diving, martial arts along with the weird and wonderful.

“If Covid has shown us anything about looking after our health, it is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. If I can show people that it is accessible and anyone can do it, I can inspire others.

“The research around exercise and health benefits is phenomenal. It’s amazing how this free thing can help us out so much.”

Dr Bowden, known across the region as Dr Do More, said he developed a passion for exercise promotion when he worked in the United Kingdom with an exercise medicine consultant.

“I got involved with her research,” he said.

Dr Bowden tries to give all the activities on his website a shot.

“When I moved here, I was keen to get back into it and rather than going into exercise medicine I decided to start with the community and take the preventive medicine route.”

He said his time in local emergency departments across Gosford and Wyong has revealed that a lot of people are not looking after themselves and end up in hospital with diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and other chronic illnesses.

“Accidents and injuries are only a small percentage of what we see in emergency,” he said.

“If people learn to look after their health, we’d see far less presentations.”

He said the website was easy to navigate and can pair people with the ideal exercise for their circumstances.

“It’s for everyone on the Central Coast,” he said. “We’ve created a simple directory where people can tailor movement to themselves.”

“What I have seen is that people create barriers in their mind as to why they can’t exercise. They are not real barriers, just perceived hurdles. I truly believe there is something for everyone.”

Dr Bowden also practises what he preaches, giving all the activities a go and often posting videos.

“I have done everything from pole dancing to burlesque dancing and Bungee Fitness,” he said.

“There’s times I have felt a bit silly but I want to show people how accessible and enjoyable activities are.”

He said his directory was also free platform for businesses and had created a “community” feel.

Check out the Do More Activity Search Engine at https://do-more.live.