Cairns business: F45 Smithfield expanding to major shopping hub

A highly-popular fitness studio is planning big things with the launch of a low-impact workout along with its high intensity training at a big new centre. FIND OUT MORE

Cairns is set to host the biggest F45 and FS8 fitness training studio in North Queensland with a transformation taking place at this major shopping centre

The highly popular F45 at Smithfield Village is moving to much larger premises at the site where the Reject Shop was at the northern end of the complex.

F45 offers high intensity group training with F signifying functional and 45 being 45 minutes of exercise.

F45 Smithfield owner Kelly Bell with Misi Fatafehi and Redlynch gym members Vilai Chang, and Darren Wickenden. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

FS8 combines elements of pilates, yoga and weights for a full body workout.

Owner Kelly Bell said F45 would open in late February with FS8 to launch in April.

“Being Cairns locals, we saw an opportunity for group fitness that focused on fun and time-convenient classes while being a positive part of the community,” Ms Bell said.

“Six years on we’re proud family-run small business owners with three F45 and two FS8 studios operating in Cairns,” she said.

Tammy Barker and Sakeena Sheik give their all in an F45 workout. Picture: supplied.

“Although F45 and FS8 provide two very different styles of training, both will give our members a full-body workout, a strong sense of community, and are suitable for all fitness levels.”

She said both studios would have state-of-the-art amenities.

“The new spaces will be home to F45 Training northern beaches and FS8, a brand new wellness experience that combines the best elements from yoga and pilates for a complete, low impact group training experience.”

Smithfield Central manager John Cooper said it was an exciting addition to the centre’s health and wellbeing offerings.

“The brand new health and wellness space is home to the largest studios in the region for F45 and the new pilates concept, FS8,” Mr Cooper said.

F45 Fitness Centre, with an FS8 studio, will open at Smithfield Shopping Centre by the end of February. Picture: supplied.

Plans to set up a beachfront F45 centre at Trinity Beach were stymied in December 2020 when the Planning and Environment Court upheld an appeal against the proposal by the manager of the nearby Roydon Beachfront apartments.

Cairns Regional Council had approved the development application but Judge Dean Morzone was not satisfied it was an appropriate location and concerned about its 5am opening time.

There are F45 centres at Manoora, Bungalow, Edmonton, and Redlynch.

The Redlynch centre opened in 2017.

F45 is one of the fastest growing franchises in Australia.

Although it is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, F45 is ­originally an Australian business and is headed by co-founder Adam Gilchrist.

Investors in the fast fitness franchise include Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg.

Originally published as Cairns business: F45 Smithfield expanding to major shopping hub