Dark underbelly of Aussie gyms exposed

Behind the glossy TikTok ads and Instagram influencers, a darker reality is emerging – and industry leaders are calling for urgent action.

Australia’s booming fitness industry is facing a reckoning, as gym owners and industry leaders demand urgent government action to address a surge in dodgy operators and criminal infiltration.

Leaders across the sector say the time has come for mandatory national licensing for all gym and fitness operators to safeguard gym-goers and restore trust in the industry.

From the Gold Coast to Melbourne, gyms have become targets for criminal elements, with rumours of money laundering, gang involvement, and firebombings linked to bikie gangs and organised crime.

Most notably, a Melbourne gym linked to Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim was targeted in an arson attack in October last year, prior to the gangland figure’s murder in January.

In 2023, a gym in Dandenong was subject to a dramatic arson attack when a car was driven through the front doors, and an accelerant poured throughout the building and set alight.

Meanwhile in Sydney, the Fitness First Rockdale club was the scene of the notorious 2018 shooting murder of former bikie boss Mahmoud ‘Mick’ Hawi.

A dark underbelly of Aussie gyms is being exposed. Picture: iStock

Criminal elements are infiltrating gyms

Jenny Singh, a fitness operator on the Gold Coast, is one of many sounding the alarm.

“My concern is that criminals and gangs are now infiltrating the fitness industry and using gyms as a front for money laundering and other activities,” she said.

“We need to get them out and stop them from involvement. The majority of the industry is professional, and introducing a law to ensure that all gyms and fitness centres are run by licensed operators will help lift the industry to a higher level of professionalism and accountability.”

Trust and standards must come first

Jane Kilkenny, founder of Victoria’s Fitness Energy and a respected industry veteran, believes that the industry’s easy entry is a magnet for unqualified operators.

“The key factors for a licensing system should include business registration that ensures the industry codes of conduct are being adhered to,” she told news.com.au.

“This must also include registration for all staff involved in the delivery of fitness advice and services.”

Ms Kilkenny believes the biggest resistance to a national licensing system would come from those unwilling to meet current standards, but insists the industry’s future depends on raising the bar.

“The reasons for this are many, but include cost, transparency and standards,” she said.

“While people might see the fitness industry as a way to make some quick money, it has a very significant role to play in the future health of Australians. It can only really fulfil this potential by raising standards and professionalism.”

Gym owner Jane Kilkenny thinks the industry’s easy entry attracts the wrong people. Picture: Supplied

Todd Howard believes Covid only exacerbated the issue. Picture: Supplied

A booming industry with lax controls

Todd Howard, CEO of TBH Group and a major Snap Fitness franchisee, points out that the post-Covid gym boom has compounded this issue, bringing a flood of new entrants – some with little experience or good intentions.

He says that while big franchises have strict vetting and compliance, the broader industry remains wide open.

Mr Howard believes licensing would ensure basic operational standards, verified staff qualifications, and safety compliance.

Industry leaders are calling for change. Picture: Supplied

The foundation already exists

AUSactive, the national peak body for the fitness industry, confirms that systems are already in place to support higher industry standards.

It operates a Register of Professionals and a National Fitness Industry Code of Practice, outlining best practices, safety protocols, and ethical conduct – but all are voluntary.

With the right policy support, AUSactive argues, Australia could “transform the fitness industry into one of the most professional, consumer-trusted sectors in the health ecosystem,” a spokesperson said.

Next steps

Industry leaders are now urging the federal government to launch a Senate inquiry and develop licensing laws modelled on those in other industries like aged care and childcare. “There’s never been a more important time to protect the future of the fitness industry’s integrity,” said Mr Howard.

“Licensing is not about red tape or barriers. It’s about trust and safety for everyone in an equitable environment that benefits not only those heavily invested in the industry but also consumers seeking a quality and consistent product in the market.”

Originally published as Dark underbelly of Aussie gyms exposed