Mosman dads told to keep quiet while exercising on Balmoral Oval.

By ANNA USHER

A local men’s fitness group has been ordered to decrease the noise during workout sessions on Balmoral Oval.

The “Mosman Dads Bootcamp”, managed by resident Rob Clowes, meets at 6:15 am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for a 45-minute class on a rotating cardio, boxing and weights schedule.

Last Thursday, Mr Clowes told Mosman Collective he was “absolutely dumbfounded” when a Council Ranger interrupted the group’s morning fitness routine to inform them of a noise complaint.

“The Ranger told us a homeowner on Plunkett Rd had complained about children waking early because of the noise,” Mr Clowes said.

“From 6 am, the oval is jam-packed with early risers, why would someone complain about people making noise while exercising in daylight hours?

“Everyone using a sports oval makes noise. What an absolute joke.”

Set up as a community service seven years ago, Mr Clowes told Mosman Collective his free group attracts between 12 and 20 local men to each session, who meet at the 17,571 sqm field to “connect and keep fit.”

“It is not a professionally run fitness group; we are just local Dads who meet up three times each week,” he said.

“People join via word-of-mouth, and anyone is welcome to join. It’s a brilliant way to start the day that is also beneficial for men’s mental health.

“I do use a playlist of 80s and 90s music that helps time our sets, but the volume is never extreme.”

Mr Clowes said the Mosman Council ranger ordered him to turn off the music and then asked to see his Personal Fitness Trainer Permit.

“I told him I am not a fitness trainer; I’m not running a paid exercise program, I’m just a bloke who meets up with a few local Dads to work out.

“What has the world come to when you can no longer train with your mates on a public oval?”

Mr Clowes said that Mosman Dad’s Bootcamp has never received a complaint in the seven years since its inception.

“It’s very disappointing to think someone on Plunkett Rd is trying to shut down early morning exercisers,” he said, “I just don’t get it.”

Mosman Collective has reached out to Mosman Council for comment.

If you would like to join the Mosman Dads Bootcamp, contact Rob Clowes via his Facebook Group.