Excuses, Salads, and Size-Down Jeans: Tales from the SAOR Fitness Crew

SAOR Fitness
Jul 26
2 min read

The Comedy of Outdoor Group Fitness

Running outdoor group fitness sessions at Appley Park, Ryde is never dull. Not because of the weather (though we’ve endured our fair share of sideways rain and accidental sunburn), but because of the excuses I hear, glorious, creative, wildly inaccurate excuses.

You’d think a team of grown adults, all smart, witty, and fully aware they’ve signed up for exercise, would simply accept their fate. But no. Instead, I get this…

“There’s Nowhere to Hide Out Here!”

Exactly. That’s the point. There are no gym walls, no sneaky corners, and no conveniently placed potted plants to "rest" behind. Just open skies, sea air, and me, your slightly sadistic, 52-year-old PT, grinning like it’s Christmas.

“I Only Lost a Size Because of That Salad…”

Oh, really?Not because of the squats, the hill sprints, or the 40 minutes of “accidental core engagement” last week? Nope, apparently it’s all thanks to that one salad you ate on Tuesday. (Sure, let’s go with that.)

“The Gym Instructor Is So Much Nicer Than You!”

Ah, yes, I get compared to gym instructors a lot. The ones who let you spend half the session “stretching” near the water fountain while taking selfies. Meanwhile, I’m over here making you actually use your legs. Outrageous, I know.

“Why Do You Hate Us?”

I don’t hate you. I promise. I just want you to feel fitter, healthier, and stronger than you did yesterday. And yes, if that means I have to endure a few “creative” words thrown my way during burpees, I’ll take it.

“Thanks for the Fun Workout!”

This is the part that gets me every time. After all the mock complaints, the salad conspiracies, the jokes about me being “older than the park benches”, you all thank me. And I can’t help but wonder: Are they trying to wind me up, or do they enjoy this?

Maybe a little of both.

Why I Love It Anyway

The truth? I wouldn’t change it. The excuses, the laughter, the grumbling — it all creates a special kind of group magic. Because when the joking stops, the focus kicks in. Everyone’s pushing together, supporting each other, and nobody can hide.

So keep the excuses coming. Just don’t forget to show up next week, salad or no salad.