A PERSONAL trainer who decided to hold a kettlebell workout in the River Itchen expected lots of splashing and calorie burning – instead she was met with backlash.
Advanced master kettlebell instructor Penni Harrison held the fast-paced class in the river last month to avoid her clients getting too hot.
The 52-year-old’s Kettlebell Crazy classes are usually held in open fields from Eastleigh to Owslebury but on scorching summer days, Penni turns to the river instead.
However, after a number of people raised concerns, Penni has decided to backtrack.
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She said: “A couple of years ago I thought it would be nice to do the workout knee-deep in the river to stay cool.
“I only did it once or sometimes twice a year on the really hot days that coincided with a class.
“I was trying to find a way of delivering a fun and effective workout without my class members overheating.
“This year was the first time I faced any objections. I have only done it a total of four times over the last six years.
“Nobody approached me while the class was happening but when I got home I had a couple of messages from people about it, saying 'do you realise the river is an SSSI and you are unknowingly causing damage to it?' and I was causing an offence.
“We certainly splash around but so do dogs that jump in and the swimmers who use the river.
“I think the issue was we were standing on the riverbed and that was causing problems.”
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Penni is now considering travelling down the coast on hot days to exercise in the sea.
She said: “Now, if the weather is too hot, I will have to cancel my class but I have thought about finding another venue, such as along the coast.
“It's so much fun working out in the water as you splash around and stay cool while still doing a workout. People really loved the river as it was fun and so different.
“I am all about variety and making it fun and always look for fun venues, but mainly use open fields.”
To find out more, search Kettlebell Crazy on Facebook.
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