By LUKE VOOGT
A Corio calisthenics club is fighting for survival after an unprecedented drop in membership this year.
Cloverdale Calisthenics College founder and principal Mandy Mueller said the club normally had 70 to 80 members but has just 32 this year.
“It’s just been over the last five years we’ve had numbers go down,” she said.
“This year we’ve lost about 20. If we go any lower I don’t think we could run.”
Ms Mueller, who has 40 years of involvement in calisthenics, began the club at Cloverdale Community Centre in 1994.
Her letter-drops and school visits had failed to attract new members, she said.
“We’re one of the cheapest things around and I’m kind of at my wits end as to why we are losing numbers.”
Ms Mueller said the not-for-profit club now operated at Hendy Street Hall with volunteer coaches and staff.
“We all do it for the kids.”
The club catered for members aged from two-and-a-half to adults but had been forced to drop its two youngest age groups, Ms Mueller said.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the club, set to compete in state titles at Bendigo this year.
“I don’t push competiveness, we’re more about having fun,” Ms Mueller said.
She considered calisthenics perfect for children who enjoyed gymnastics and dancing.
“It’s got a bit of everything.
“You can always pick a calisthenics girl, they present themselves really nicely.”
Ms Mueller said more information was available by phoning her 0418 559 241.
