From IT stress to fitness success, Paul Hovey’s journey to building Burnett Strength

A Kingaroy man’s passion for strength training born from a need to de-stress has led to the opening of a community-focused gym, with the new owner sounding a warning over how some Instagram influencers maintain their physiques.

Burnett Strength, Kingaroy.

A tree change and a way to de-stress following a hard day at the office has led to the opening of a South Burnett gym focused on building a community without the harsh comparisons of physique that can occur on social media.

Paul Hovey’s passion for strength training and community-building led to the creation of Burnett Strength, a Kingaroy gym that opened on April 8.

Breaking away from traditional fitness models, Hovey’s personalised approach offers more than just access to equipment, it fosters confidence, community and comprehensive support for members seeking transformative results.

Mr Hovey began weight training more than a decade ago as a way to de-stress after work while in the IT industry.

“I first started lifting weights with a friend of mine about 13 years ago, as something to deal with a very stressful job, it really helped me deal with that stress at the end of the day,” he said.

By enlisting the help of world class trainers and competing in powerlifting competitions, Mr Hovey developed skills in strength training, powerlifting and bodybuilding.

Paul Hovey, owner of Burnett Strength, Kingaroy.

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It wasn’t until he moved to the South Burnett about five years ago from Brisbane when he came up with the idea of opening his own gym after finding the gyms around him didn’t fit his needs or for those who were just starting out.

“A lot of gyms, I feel, sell you a key card and access to a room full of equipment and for most people that can be quite daunting, they might not have ever used that equipment before,” he said.

“Someone might have a gym membership and turn up two or three times a week but not really achieve a great deal.”

Mr Hovey claimed strength training and powerlifting gave people more “bang for their buck”.

“Because I’ve got a fair bit of training and experience in that area I’m not just selling people an access card … I want to make people feel welcome and confident to use any piece of equipment and have confidence to ask for help or coaching so they get more out of their time at the gym.”

Burnett Strength, Kingaroy.

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Aside from working out, Mr Hovey has also developed an efficient and affordable way to meal prep, which is a service he offers to his members and something he said was just as important as working out.

“Seventy per cent of your success in body transformation comes from the kitchen,” he said.

Mr Hovey also has advice for anyone comparing themselves to fitness influencers online.

“The people you see on Instagram, and other platforms, who have got these incredible physiques, they’ve only achieved that at the exclusion of everything else in their lives,” he said.

“They have to spend, basically their entire 24 hours, eating, sleeping and going to the gym.

“They don’t have functional relationships, they don’t have time to spend with their kids, they don’t have normal jobs.

“Everything is about lifting those huge weights so they can impress people online and that’s really no way to live a life.

“So don’t compare yourself to them.”

My Hovey said anyone who was working out but not seeing results should visit Burnett Strength.

He said he was also focused on “building a community”.

“I guarantee we can put together a plan and I will give you all the tools that you need to be successful and all the encouragement you need as well,” he said.

Burnett Strength is located at 165a Haly Street, Kingaroy.