Gyms get the blood pumping for the Red Cross

Fitness fanatics in Coffs Harbour are used to being challenged, whether it be on the treadmill, bench press, rowing machine, or the eternally agonising boxing sessions.

During October and November, however, an army of Coffs gym-goers and trainers are competing in a new challenge, one that requires little more than sitting in a recliner.

The challenge: which gym can donate the most blood.

Launched at the beginning of October ,the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Gyms Challenge was quickly taken up by gyms in the Coffs Harbour area, as well as across the country.

Beach Bodies owner Renee Atkins gave blood for the first time at the beginning of the challenge.

“I’ve always wanted to come down but never got around to it and needed a reason like this. This is a good way to get people involved because there are no excuses,” Ms Atkins told The Coffs Coast Advocate.

One in three people will need blood in their lifetime, while just one in 30 donate, according to Red Cross figures.

Individuals are able to give blood if they:

• Are fit, healthy and not suffering from a cold, flu or other illness at the time of donation
• Are aged between 16 and 70 (in some states 16 and 17-year-olds require parental/guardian consent)
• Weigh more than 45kgs (or more than 50kgs for 16 and 17-year-olds)
• Have eaten and drunk 3-4 glasses of water/juice prior to giving blood.

Your age, recent short-term illnesses, past medical history, pregnancy and lifestyle issues may prevent you from becoming a blood donor temporarily or permanently.