The producers of a new short documentary hope to spark a conversation around well-being in the arts and the limitations of fitness culture when they launch the project this Thursday, 9 March, in Hobart.
Artgym owner Eilish Kidd instigated the project after getting to know one of her favourite gym members; musician and songwriter Gus Leighton, a familiar face to jazz and swing aficionados around town.
Definition: A Year to Remember is a 22-minute reflection on body image and physical transformation, through the story of Gus’s journey from weighing over 200 kilos to have lost more half his body weight and having embraced a new passion for resistance training.
During her chats with Gus, Eilish had a realisation that the Tasmanian community could do better in offering support to anyone – no matter their skill level, age or background – who seeks to improve their fitness.
“Once someone has been labelled ‘fat’ or has begun to think of themselves as ‘not the sporty type,’ it’s so hard for them to see that gyms can be for them too. The sad thing is that when an overweight person does finally summon up the courage to seek support they are often met with indifference. Or ignored.”
