By Natalie Heslop
If you’ve been down to Williamstown Beach lately, chances are you’ve spotted Claudia Nguyen. Even in mid-winter you’ll see her on the foreshore; bright colours, big smiles, a set of barbells in hand, and always an upbeat, high-tempo track playing.
Hailing from Maidstone Claudia has become a bit of a Willy icon, spreading joy with her morning routine. I caught up with her to find out more.
Tell us what a typical morning at the beach looks like for you.
Good morning, Good Morning, Happy Friday! My name is Claudia from Vietnam. At least five days a week, after I drop my children off at school, I grab a coffee, say hi to everybody and have a little chat because it’s so important to connect. Then I go to exercise. [giggles]
Is this how you keep fit?
Yes, it keeps me fit, good for my mind and better for my mental health.
What do people say when they see you out there? Any funny or memorable encounters?
People here are so kind and friendly. They say, ‘Hello! I love your music, love your energy, dance.’ That makes me so happy.
Do you feel like you’ve become part of the Williamstown beach community?
Yeah, I think so, because I know everybody and everyone knows each other. We say hello, how are you today? We are caring.
How long have you been doing this?
Since December, so about six months now.
Where did the motivation come from?
I don’t want to get bored. I want to do something colourful that makes me feel good about myself. To be honest, the colours like pink and yellow bring you more energy. They make you feel happy.
Does your background influence your workout?
When I was younger, I was always exercising, but this is new for me. I learn from everyone at the beach; they see how I’m dancing.
Has anyone ever joined in?
Yes! The children love it; older people love it too. I ask people what their favourite song is, and we dance together.
And finally, where did the idea of dancing with barbells come from? It’s such a unique style.
I used to go to the gym, but I stopped. Now I go to the beach, I love swimming, walking and dancing with my Barbells. It’s different and that’s what makes it fun!
