Four gyms, multiple high intensity interval training (HIIT) classes per day, flight deck half-marathons, pickle ball and park runs - welcome to life at sea on board HMAS Canberra, where physical and mental wellness is paramount.
With plenty happening on board, physical training (PT) is vital to keeping morale high and the crew in peak condition.
That's where physical training instructors (PTIs) Leading Seaman Ally Marsh and Able Seaman Isabella Fitzpatrick come in.
"It's a big ship with lots of new and different faces on board, so it's great to be able to bring everyone together to smash out a PT session," Leading Seaman Marsh said.
"Having that time to switch off, turn up the speaker and get the heart rate up really makes a difference to staying fresh, especially at sea, and they then bring that energy back to their work and shipmates."
Leading Seaman Marsh and Able Seaman Fitzpatrick prepare and lead a range of activities, including up to three group classes per day combining strength and conditioning with elements of HIIT and cardio, as well as weekly mobility, yoga and stretching.
They are always coming up with new ways to motivate their shipmates and keep it fun, including hosting 5km time trials on Saturdays, recovery sessions on Sundays and occasional half marathons on the flight deck, which includes about 91 laps of the flight deck.
'There are limits to what you can do at sea, but we love the challenge of coming up with something unique and different in how we use the space and equipment we have.'
Other activities that are popular among the crew include pickle ball, trivia and bin ball - a ship's favourite, which resembles netball but is played with rubbish bins and toilet paper.
"There are limits to what you can do at sea, but we love the challenge of coming up with something unique and different in how we use the space and equipment we have," Able Seaman Fitzpatrick said.
"Our team is super motivated so we're always dreaming up new ideas - and spicy workouts - to push our shipmates and help them make the most of their time at sea."
Above all else, Canberra's PTIs are focused on keeping their shipmates safe, healthy and at their best.
"Being away at sea and away from loved ones can be a challenge, so everyone is always looking out for each other and checking in," Leading Seaman Marsh said.
"We're lucky that we get to see most people for an hour or two every day, so we love having a chat with the crew, putting them through their paces with a workout and then seeing them leave with a smile on their faces."
The landing helicopter dock is the largest ship in Navy's fleet, with the complex amphibious platform measuring 230m in length and capable of transporting more than 100 ground vehicles, four landing craft and up to 18 helicopters.
Canberra can also accommodate more than 1000 troops, including embarked international forces, in addition to its triservice crew of more than 350.
