From Port Adelaide to Hendon, PEAQ Performance keeps raising the bar

South Australia’s favourite gym has expanded and welcomed sporting legends – and it’s still all about community. Here’s the story of PEAQ Performance, voted best gym once again.

PEAQ Adelaide – SA's Best Gym Winner – PEAQ staff celebrating the official opening of their new facilities last August. Picture: Supplied

Before PEAQ Performance became a household name in South Australian fitness, Sean Baker was just a part-time coach trying to figure out his path.

In 2017 and 2018, he worked closely with Darren Burgess while assisting Port Adelaide Football Club’s development squads.

It was a partnership that left a lasting mark.

“Darren was always generous with his time and knowledge,” Sean said.

“We worked together on coaching courses and programs, and even when he was overseas, we tried to stay connected.

“That experience shaped a lot of what we do at PEAQ today.”

PEAQ Performance Centre, has once again taken out SA’s Best Gym. Picture: Instagram

That ethos – of sharing knowledge and helping others grow – is at the heart of the gym’s philosophy.

Sean and wife Jaimi have built a business that goes beyond physical training, using their expertise to provide education and mentoring to coaches, athletes, and schools across South Australia.

In August 2024, they moved from Port Adelaide to a larger Hendon facility, not just to expand, but to create a space where learning could thrive alongside performance. Joining them as directors, Darren Burgess and Greg Stafford bring decades of elite experience, ensuring PEAQ continues to set standards for coaching and professional development.

“We want to maintain our community and leave a lasting legacy,” Sean said.

“Part of that is sharing knowledge, not just running classes.

“We want to help other coaches, other gyms, and schools to grow the industry – not just our business.”

PEAQ Adelaide has relocated to a facility 4x the size in Hendon. Picture: Supplied

PEAQ still offers the full spectrum of fitness and wellness, from high-energy group classes to Yoga and Pilates, but the heart of the operation is education.

Their Junior Basketball Academy, school programs, and professional mentoring initiatives all aim to bridge the gap between local talent and elite performance pathways.

“Our goal has always been to help others achieve their potential,” Sean said.

“We’re humbled that the community has recognised what we’ve built – it’s amazing to be voted Best Gym again, but the real win is seeing the people we work with grow and succeed.”

With a team of around 60 staff members, PEAQ Performance isn’t just about results – it’s about creating a culture of learning, mentorship, and support, proving that a gym can be a place where people thrive both on and off the floor.

SA’s TOP 5 Gyms as voted by you:

1 PEAQ, Adelaide

2 The Yard Gym, Campbelltown

3 Anytime Fitness, Brighton

4 The Studio, West Beach

5 Viva Fitness, Adelaide

Originally published as From Port Adelaide to Hendon, PEAQ Performance keeps raising the bar