On a crisp spring evening in Sydney's west, as the sun settles below the Blue Mountains, about 20 people stream into a local park to attend Baker Prescott's free community boxing.

The atmosphere is buzzing with soccer and cricket in the background as Baker turns his music up to start his training session.

His extroverted, outgoing and quirky personality allows participants of all backgrounds to feel comfortable throughout the session, allowing them to work out, get fit and meet new friends — all for free.

A fresh start in Sydney

Baker grew up in Auckland and had a tough upbringing, surrounded by domestic violence. He chose to zone out the negativity and find peace and clarity.

"I tried to make the most of my adolescence; training in Muay Thai and boxing which gave me a sense of achievement," he said.

But it wasn't enough for Baker, who simply hated his teenage years.

After moving to Sydney in August 2016, Baker felt he had a fresh start in his life, knowing he could put the mental childhood traumas and financial hurdles behind him, and raise a family.

He looks back on his journey and says, "Over there, we were surviving, not living".

While juggling the task of raising two children and working, Baker and wife Felicity started to gain some weight.

This was the turning point for Baker to get back into his fitness and re-commit to his faith.

"I put my faith in Christianity, and that was the moment that led to a path of ongoing success," he said.

Baker felt he had the confidence and experience from sparring and fighting in Muay Thai and boxing in New Zealand to launch a fitness community page.

Fun, free fitness sessions

In November 2020, Baker started Glenmore Park Let's Get Fit Community on Facebook.

It started with private one-on-one sessions at Baker's home gym, to outdoor group sessions. 

"When I see people coming along sweating, getting in there, and grinding, something inside me just feels good," Baker said.

"I always said that if one person shows up or 50 people show up, I'll still commit to the session."

Linley, 32, is one of the regular participants.

"I came to Baker's sessions to fulfil my fitness goal and most importantly, to become strong, healthy, and have fun," she said.

Baker's sessions have music, a fun atmosphere, and high energy, and are jam-packed, all for free.

"The difference with mine is that I'm not afraid to be silly. I just add in my quirkiness and emphasise the fun," he said.

Baker is grateful to have the time away from work and the resources of boxing gloves, pads, exercise cones, and hand straps to make his sessions free.

He acknowledges boxing equipment isn't cheap, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, so over time, Felicity would search Facebook Marketplace or online sales to get enough boxing accessories for the group sessions.

"A lot of people were in disbelief about why my sessions are free and continue to be free throughout the year," he said.

"I know, times are tough out there. I'm happy to offer up my services for free as I get more pleasure from helping the community than from making money."

Omer, another regular, admires the way Baker trains and inspires people.

"I recently started attending the free sessions, and it has rapidly changed my fitness for the better, both mentally and physically," Omer said.

"Baker makes you feel engaged, and comfortable, and ensures you get your fitness in while enjoying it."

Furthermore, "the sessions mentally clear your mind of the outside noises that you are thinking about in day-to-day life. It helps you refresh".

Baker has his eyes set on 2024, insisting he wants to see growth in his group sessions, which will lead to him starting a fitness business tying his private sessions and group sessions into one.

Personally, Baker hopes he will become an Australian citizen one day, as he is a proud Māori, or as Baker likes to call himself, "A Mozzie" (Māori/Aussie).

Preston Potts is studying journalism at Western Sydney University and is passionate about all sports, especially rugby league.