Fifteen years after two friends decided to open a local calisthenics centre, Kendara Calisthenics is still going strong.
Kendara has operated out of the Brimbank Anglican Church in Keilor since 2003, with long-time friends Rachael Lorkin and Kendal Tanti recognising potential for the unique sport in the area.
The women are no longer running the centre, but current coach Jacqui Gill said their vision was what kept Kendara going.
“It’s a real family-based club, and that’s always been the goal,” Ms Gill said.
From small classes in the early days, there are now more than 50 students at the centre, and this year – for the first time – classes for boys.
“It’s all about fun and fitness,” Ms Gill said.
“We’ve always been able to offer classes for mums and girls to do, but we’ve changed the mentality about boys doing it now.
“It’s a real mixture of a sport – it’s definitely a group thing not an individual one, so we’re all in it together.”
A planned family day last month to celebrate 15 years of the centre was abandoned due to poor weather, with plans underway to commemorate the achievement later in the year.
