Winnipeggers going rogue with workouts

WINNIPEG – As most of the city sleeps, a handful of Winnipeggers sweat.

“This takes a whole new dimension to having an awesome morning workout,” said Jonathan Torchia. “It’s very addictive.”

It is Winnipeg Gone Rogue and uses the city as its gym.

“The fact they can change location, like the week we went to the Legislature, and still make it work is awesome,” said Milana Schippert. “We did Golden Boy related things when we there.”

Running the rogue are roommates Thomas Hall and Rick Duha. The pair started the group this past summer out of a love for fitness. “Giving that to other people really gives us a sense of worth,” said Duha. “Providing what makes us happy to other people.”

Winnipeg Gone Rogue has jumped from eight early risers to nearly fifty. It uses Twitter and Instagram to inform participants of the location of each week’s free Wednesday workout. All you have to do is just show up.

“This is for your very beginner, looking to start something just to build a habit, to your competitive athlete training,” said Hall.

“It was really fun the first time,” said Courtney Skene-Hamilton. “It’s still fun even though it’s cold. I continue to come out because I remember how I felt afterwards the first time I went. It was really invigorating.”

But it’s not just about fun and fitness.

“It’s another social network of friends,” said Bill Kastner. “I have my travel group. This is another group I look forward meeting to every Wednesday.”