Revealed: List of new gyms and fitness trends coming to the north shore
North shore residents keen to get active after lockdown will be spoiled for choice with new gyms popping up across the region including new spin studios and a gym backed by Mick Fanning.
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It’s no secret north shore residents like to keep fit and active and as Sydney’s restrictions ease, competition in the region’s gym scene is heating up.
Fitness fanatics from St Ives to North Sydney will have new methods for their workouts with a long list of new gyms and fitness centres opening their doors across the region.
Some of the outlets have big industry names behind them, while others are offering new and unique ways to keep fit and gain strength.
Many of the owners say demand for gym workouts has soared post-lockdown as cooped up residents seek to make up for lost gym time as stay at home orders are lifted.
The North Shore Times takes a look at the new outlets in the region.
FS8 CHATSWOOD
A fitness method backed by surfing legend Mick Fanning is the newest addition to Chatswood’s gym scene.
FS8, developed by fitness juggernaut F45, will open at Chatswood Place on Saturday after more than one year of planning and development.
Owner Peter Day said the FS8 gym offers a first of its kind multi regime that combines the benefits of yoga, pilates and tone into one circuit-based workout.
“It’s a brand new concept and by combining all three elements, you get a lower impact, full body workout, using stretch and tone movements rather than just heavy weights,” he said.
“It appeals to a broad market including professional athletes.”
Mr Day said there was big demand for new gyms on the north shore, but noted there were challenges for new studios to stand out in the crowd.
“Chatswood has a huge fitness culture and there are a lot of players in the market now,” he said.
“Something like 30 per cent of people now have more than one gym membership these days but we see FS8 as offering a three-in-one membership that combines the benefits of pilates, yoga and tone.”
Mick Fanning is an ambassador for the FS8 brand and is planning to open his own studio in Byron this year. There are also plans to expand the network into 50 studios across Australia as well as overseas.
The studio launches on Saturday with a grand opening party.
INFINITE CYCLE
Avatars and hi-tech bikes are part of the furniture at Neutral Bay’s newest gym.
Infinite Cycle is making the final preparations to open this weekend with a fitness model that includes endurance sessions.
Owner Jess Baxter said features of the gym include state of the art equipment including computer screens that display participants’ Avatars on the screen during group cycling sessions.
“The power you’re pushing moves the avatar on the screen and the avatar moves forward or behind depending on how fast you’re cycling. The visual guide helps people really get into the mindset,” she said.
“All of our bikes are also fitted with sensors that connect with computers in the room to measure RPM and resistance.”
“The bikes also tilt on a 22 degree angle which gives people the ability to turn, steer and balance.”
Ms Baxter said the popularity of indoor cycling has soared and enables people to gain the benefits of cycling without contending with traffic on busy north shore roads.
The centre at Military Rd is due to open on October 23. Another outlet is also due to launch in Balgowlah on the same day.
BODY FIT TRAINING
Body Fit Training opened its doors next to Charlie & Franks at the weekend and demand has already proven strong with more than 200 clients signing up.
The gym is the first for Body Fit brand on the lower north shore, which also has studios in the CBD, the inner west and Cronulla. Co-owner Brooke Boielle said features of the gym include state of the art heart rate modelling to ensure strength training is done right. “We focus more on strength training and training like an athlete – about 70 per cent of the training is focused on strength and 30 per cent is cardio,” he said.
“Over six to eight weeks participants do more movements, more weight styles, and progress to heavier weights.
Mr Boielle said there has already been strong interest from local residents, with phones running hot since Sydney’s lockdown was lifted.
“I’ve been knocked off my socks – we signed more than 200 members before we opened our doors,” he said.
“From conversations I’ve had with clients, everyone has been so excited to get back into the gym and training. There’s such excitement and energy in the room.”
Body Fit Training was founded by Cameron Falloon – the former personal trainer of Princess Diana who went on to become a conditioning coach for elite AFL and soccer teams.
The gym is located at 601 Pacific Hwy.
OPTIMAL LAB
The Optimal Lab is planning to launch its first brick and mortar outlet after gaining popularity in the wide outdoors during Covid.
The group-based functional strength and conditioning program operating at Gore Hill Oval will open its doors in Crows Nest next month with a unique approach to exercise, movement, recovery and performance.
Owner Georgina Andrews said the gym’s six-day per week program allows any individual to progress their fitness goals, regardless of their age.
“We have Monday, Wednesday and Friday sessions focusing on strength, Tuesday and Thursday on conditioning and a smasher session on Saturday that mixes body weight strength and conditioning in groups or pairs to bring the community aspect of fitness together,” she said.
“(The program) supports people to strengthen their core for everyday movements. If you’ve gone shopping and need to carry groceries up the stairs, it enables you to make those tasks and movements easier.”
Ms Andrews said demand for classes had soared during lockdown, with Optimal Lab picking up new clients while operating outdoors including staff from Royal North Shore Hospital.
“It really helped people stay sane and people enjoyed that social interaction – for some it was only interaction they got during the day,” she said.
The indoor outlet will also incorporate a sports medicine clinic and will be located at 290-294 Pacific Highway in Crows Nest.
BALLER NATION
Gym junkies will be able to bounce into action under plans for a new gym in North Sydney.
Development plans have been approved by North Sydney Council for a Baller National outlet at 120 Pacific Hwy that is described as offering training fitness combining boxing, coaching and group fitness.
The gym will include a ‘home court’ workout zone, locker room, reception area, office and storage areas and will operate seven days per week from 6am till 8pm
Plans to the council said the gym would have an “overall positive social impact” and “will increase the range and type of indoor recreational facilities” within North Sydney.
Similar plans are in the works for another Baller Nation outlet at Norton Plaza in Leichhardt which would also cater for 25 people and operate at the same hours.
An opening date has yet to be announced.
INFINITE PERFORMANCE
Willoughby’s newest gym is helping residents to shake off the lockdown cobwebs after relaunching at Frenchs Rd this week.
Infinite Performance welcomed clients back into the studio for sessions following a brief four week launch before Sydney’s stay-at-home forced a temporary shut down in June.
Clay Robinson, who co-owns the studio with Joseph Izzo, said the gym has been buzzing with excitement since reopening this week.
“During lockdown we transitioned to outdoor classes in the carpark so it’s great to be back in the studio – everyone’s excited to be back in,” he said.
“A lot of people are looking to train in groups for the social aspect, but also train by themselves as well which we cater for and encourage.”
Infinite Performance focuses on strength and conditioning, helping clients to improve their performance in everyday life.
The studio also has a professional athlete development program that supports athletes from all sporting backgrounds with performance and injury resilience.
“We cater for teenagers through to adults and teach them natural movements, the ability to move properly and build up strength,” Mr Robinson said.
“The approach isn’t about going at 100 per cent intensity all the time, but gradually building up that strength.”
The studio Is the first for Mr Robinson and Mr Izzo who previously worked as personal trainers on the north shore.
Infinite Performance is located at 8/46 Frenchs Rd.
SNAP FITNESS
Nationwide fitness firm Snap Fitness is set to launch its first gyms on the north shore.
The Gordon Village Arcade and St Ives Shopping Centre will be home to the new franchise outlets with doors at both sites due to open in November.
The gyms will operate 24/7 and include group classes, personal training and nutritional tips.
A spokesman for the company said the gyms would include features such as techno gym equipment and provide an “all around experience” for clients with access to cardio, functional training and free weight training equipment.
The spokesman said the Gordon gym would become one of the largest in the region with a floor area of 500 sqm and there are plans to expand into more parts of the region in coming years.
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