BFT Ipswich crowned as Ipswich’s best gym

After more than 100 nominations, our readers have voted and crowned Ipswich’s best gym as we sat down with the owner to hear the story behind their success.

Black Dog Charity Workout – December 2022.

We asked and our readers delivered on the best gym in Ipswich.

After more than a hundred nominations and a flood of votes, Ipswich’s best gym has been crowned.

We sat down with Aryan Taefi, the owner of winning gym BFT Ipswich to find out the secret behind their success.

How does it feel to be voted Ipswich’s best gym?

Owner Aryan Taefi and trainer Steph at BFT's first birthday party

Honestly, it feels great of course. We aren’t ones to look for publicity, we just like to do our thing and focus on our members. But one of our members nominated us, and we can’t help but feel a bit feel warm and fuzzy that all our hard work in the community is being noticed.

What was the inspiration behind starting BFT?

A few of us had been working within the fitness industry in Ipswich for a few years, and we felt like Ipswich was missing a world class training facility and we wanted to bring one as Ipswich deserves it. Not only that, but Ipswich is a community like none other. It’s a small town built into a big city. And we knew if we could create a community within that community we could build something special.

After 12 months of searching for the ideal space, we eventually decided to create our own, and in early 2022 we converted a large old warehouse into an awesome training space … only to see it completely flooded by the February floods. But we didn‘t want to give up and with the support of the community, friends and family, we rebuilt bigger and better then before and finally got to open the doors in April 2022. And we like to think in just over a year we have built a pretty special place for all of Ipswich to enjoy.

What are the gym’s plans for the future?

We have some grand plans we’re hoping to speak with council about, in bringing some life into Ipswich and getting more people active and involved in fitness.

But really, our goal has always been to become a place that our members actually look forward to going to (not many people feel that way about gyms!) and that will remain our goal each and every day going forward.

What sets BFT apart from others in the region?

We could say its our amazing 350 sqm facility and high tech equipment, our kids (and dog) friendly training space, or our world-first use of heart rate technology and strength training, but really it comes down to one thing, and that’s the people. Every single person that joins always says they’ve never been a part of a gym community quite like BFT, and that’s a testament to our members and our coaches. Steph, Jay and Chloe have been with us since Day 1 and they have led by example in not only providing excellent coaching, but spreading positivity and love to the members, who then spread it to everyone else that steps foot into our doors.

Trainers Steph and Chloe

Tell us an inspiring story from your time in business so far?

We are inspired by our members each and every day. Last December we had 50 members take part in a 5 hour massive workout to raise $3000 for Black Dog Institute. Just last month we had 80 members take part in a 8 Week Challenge and saw some life-changing results. Even seeing how much our own coaches have grown and become more confident in themselves and their ability. But honestly, it’s the small things that make us proud, such as seeing someone do a chin up for the first time, or hit a new PB with their dead lifts, or tell us how great it felt to be able to run comfortably for the first time in years.

What is one thing you‘d like to tell potential future clients?

Our members are not clients but part of our family. Each and every person at BFT Ipswich has helped build the community we have, and we have plenty of love and room for you if you‘d ever like to come say hi and see what all the fuss is about. Whether you’re a first-timer, or a seasoned pro, we can provide you the world class programming and coaching, and the support you need to achieve a healthier, happier version of you.

BFT Christmas Party

Anything else you would like to add?

We think that it‘s great that there are some many gyms in Ipswich! It creates more opportunity for people to train and look after their physical and mental health, which is so important. And our style of training at BFT might not be for you, which is fine and we totally understand. But one thing we can guarantee is that everyone that comes into our facility will feel welcomed, supported and encouraged, and will leave sweaty and smiling. Follow us on Instagram @bft_ipswich to see more!