THE OPENING OF GEMLIFE RAINBOW BEACH’S $10.5M COUNTRY CLUB HAS GIVEN HOMEOWNERS PETER AND CATHERINE GAROFOLO A WELCOME BOOST TO THEIR EFFORTS TO KEEP FIT AND HEALTHY.
“Instead of just walks along the beach and around the neighbourhood, we now have so many options for activities right on our doorstep to keep us in top condition. So many in fact, that we don’t know which ones to do first,” laughed Catherine.
But that hasn’t stopped them from diving into a hectic schedule straight away.
“We’ve already used the swimming pool, sauna, spa, and gym, as well as played numerous games of ten-pin bowling and pool,” added Peter.
Both say that despite always being active throughout their 29 years of married life, retirement has slowed them down a little.
They are determined to get back into all the activities they enjoy, now that all the facilities are so easily accessible.
“I swam a whole lap of the pool the other day so I’m improving,” said Catherine, who is well aware of the advantages of keeping the body moving.
The couple were also keen ten-pin bowlers 10 to 15 years ago, playing in local competitions.
“We also worked out at the gym three to four times a week and Peter played cricket and football. We’ve always been very active so we were hanging out for the opening of the resort’s Country Club so we could get back into doing some of the things we used to love to do as well as a few new ones.”
Catherine, 62 and Peter, 67 said they can’t wait to put together a schedule of activities they can stick to.
“The mind is willing, but the body takes a bit longer to recover these days,” admitted Peter, who is looking forward to working out in the gym at least three times a week, swimming regularly, playing pickleball and getting his eye in on the pool table.
They are also open to trying Pilates, water aerobics and tennis after activity groups are formed.
Peter credits the opening of the new Country Club with giving him renewed purpose in retirement.
“I found my feet once the Country Club opened. You work all your life and then suddenly you stop and don’t know what to do with yourself. By using all these wonderful facilities, I can concentrate on keeping healthy in body and spirit, and I’m loving it,” said Peter.
“We don’t want for anything. It’s all here and the only thing we have to do is walk out of our front door and there it is waiting for us to make the most of it. That includes the many social spaces in the club as well where you can catch up with other residents and enjoy nibblies, a drink and a lovely chat.”
Peter and Catherine have already enjoyed using the facilities with their son who came up at Christmas. They can’t wait to show the Country Club to their Sydney-based daughter and new grandson, five-month-old Hunter, when they visit soon.
“Here at GemLife Rainbow Beach we enjoy a lifestyle you can usually only dream about, right in our own backyard, and we are loving it!”