Top 14 businesses, start-ups, gurus: Gold Coast’s new generation of health and fitness
They’re the pioneers redefining health and fitness on the Gold Coast. Meet the Top 14 and vote for your favourite.
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Small businesses and homegrown brands are the pioneers and the face of Gold Coast’s new generation of health and fitness.
These start-ups, online businesses and gym owners are among those who are redefining wellness and taking the Gold Coast by storm.
Meet our Top 14 and find out why their communities are the future of fitness.
Move With Us
If you’re looking to level up, lose weight to just get fit Move With Us has a program that will suit you.
Founder Rachel Dillon is dedicated to empowering women through fitness and enabling a supportive community for women across the world.
“Honestly, fitness has, and I know it sounds corny, but it’s honestly changed my life you know from a confidence standpoint.
“Being a young girl there’s so much pressure on us to look a certain way … I very much felt a little bit lost and fitness for me … taught me so many life lessons,” she said.
Ms Dillon also said her goal for Move With Us was to create a space where women could be supported and empowered by one another.
“My goal was to create a place where people could meet people, I always like to say find your people, celebrate each other’s success because I think that’s something that I never really experienced,” she said.
Address: Online
Move With Us offers a range of programs priced between $70-$90 with memberships available for $24.99 monthly or $249.99 yearly.
The Body Method
Technical movement and biomechanics form the foundation of The Body Method’s classes.
Owner and director Sarah Callaham Margetts said the biggest part of her ethos is making sure that “everybody in the staff or in the studio feel like they’re 100 per cent taken care of.”
Mrs Callaham Margetts said building a strong and bonded community was one of the most important things for her when she took over the studio in 2019.
“I want it to feel like when you walk in that door, it’s like you’re under our little wing and you’re like in the little house, you know, like this is our space.”
With studios in Tugun Beach and Cornerstone, The Body Method has fostered a widespread yet connected community.
“All the community members, they’re just chatting and asking people about their own personal lives and they’re talking to instructors and it’s such a family vibe, which is what I want it to be,” Mrs Callaham Margetts said.
The Body Method offers a range of reformer and mat pilates classes, yoga, barre, ModFIT and meditation.
Address: 3/5 Toolona Street, Tugun & 570 Gold Coast Highway, Tugun
Try 1 class for $20 or grab a three-class pass for $60.
Avanti Health Centre
“Hamptons meets the seaside” is how CEO Darryl Grundy describes Avanti Health Centre.
Branded as a gym and health facility dedicated to the over 50s community, Mr Grundy has worked hard to ensure the space is welcoming for those who have never stepped foot in a gym and fosters a supportive and connected community.
Mr Grundy has also made sure that the gym is inclusive and caters for all fitness levels.
“Seven out of 10 people over 60 have at least one chronic condition that limits their ability, so you have to take that into account and prescribe an appropriate program” he said.
With new hi-tech equipment that can be set to a resistance as low as 100 grams Avanti Health Centre is facilitating exercise for all of their clients – some of which are over 90-years-old.
“(We aim) for those people to not only mitigate their existing condition but also prevent other conditions from forming.” Mr Grundy said.
Address: Level 1/103-113 Nerang Street, Southport
One month free membership, free health assessment and exercise orientation, $34 a week after.
Move Headquarters
With a mission to create a safe and supportive place where people can be empowered through movement, Move Headquarters is helping its community to develop and grow a connection with their bodies.
Founder Paige Johnston said movement is so important in not only building physical health and fitness but also for finding happiness and supporting mental health.
“We’re trying to create a space (that’s) very neutral so it doesn’t matter what fitness level you are, what your capacity is, what your ability is,” she said.
Mrs Johnston said community is also an important part of Move Headquarters’ ethos.
“It is a space where people want to help and support each other,” she said.
Move Headquarters not only has an all-inclusive gym but gives members access to saunas, ice baths and dynamic air compression to help recovery and wellness.
Also opening soon is a Float room.
Address: 4/4 Wheeler Crescent, Currumbin Waters
Choice between $39, $59 and $79 a week membership for access to different services.
ACTV
Founded and directed by a competitive ex-rugby player and a professional Ironman, ACTV is the gym to go to if you want to take your training to the next level.
With a passion for fitness and community, Anthony Bartolo and Alastair Day have successfully built an empire around their brand.
Mr Bartolo said building a community is an idea that is completely over complicated.
“If you genuinely care for your people, if you really are passionate about the individual, then everybody that walks through the door gets exactly the same feeling and exactly the same passion that you want to give to the wider community.
“It makes it really simple,” he said.
Director Luke Kenelly said they aim to better every person that walks through their door.
“One thing that we’re always talking about is the moment someone walks through our door, we’re creating the best hour of their day,” he said.
The specific, progressive, and systemised group training programs are built with variety and structure to ensure results.
Burleigh address: Unit 25/2 Calabro Way, Burleigh Heads
Ashmore address: 12/115 Currumburra Rd, Ashmore
Coolangatta address: 4 Griffith St, Coolangatta
$49 for unlimited classes every week or a choice between other options that allow schedule flexibility.
Flow ST8
A balanced and holistic wellness solution is how Flow ST8 describes itself.
Navigating modern living is stressful and Flow ST8 aims to help its clients break free, step into their greatness, and find their flow state.
Owner of the Palm Beach studio Justin Fitzgibbon said making the first step in starting your fitness journey is always the hardest so building Flow ST8 to be welcoming was imperative.
“(We wanted) an energy of welcome, that was free from judgment and that had a more of a holistic approach to health and fitness … that’s what we’re trying to achieve,” he said.
With a mixture of power and flow classes available as well as retreats, Flow ST8 has a bit of everything.
Mr Fitzgibbon said fitness is important for not only physical health but mental health as well.
“If you focus on being healthy and fit, then everything will just be a positive chain reaction from there,” he said.
Address: 10 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach (across from the pharmacy)
28 days for $99 trial offer, other membership prices also available.
Atkins Health
With a unique approach to all-inclusive wellness Atkins Health uses fitness to target a broad range of health conditions.
Cancer and diabetes, to chronic pain and mobility issues, to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis are all conditions Atkins Health helps clients with daily.
CEO Tobias Atkins said he saw a massive disconnect between the allied health industries and wanted to meet the needs he saw needed to be filled.
“When you look at the data, or the disabilities, dysfunctions, disorders, they’re all getting worse … technology is getting really good and yet, technology is not actually improving any one of these three industries,
“We want (Atkins Health) to be a leader, to showcase that things could be done differently, to influence change, and actually improve health instead of seeing this degradation,” he said.
Mr Atkins’ highly experienced team of industry professionals help their clients with a variety of conditions from neurological disorders to pain management and weight control on top of their formulated programs.
Mr Atkins and his company have seen 90 per cent of its clients either achieve or exceed their health goals. Atkins Health also offer home visits and telehealth services.
Varsity Lakes address: 2 Lake St, Varsity Lakes (co-located with Temple Gym)
Runaway Bay address: Morala Ave and Sports Dr, Runaway Bay
Pimpama address: Shopping Centre, Jetts Pimpama, 4/102 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd (operating three days a week)
Currumbin address: 109 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Waters (located within Hype Health Club)
Canungra address: 34 Christie St, Canungra (operating three days a week)
Regular membership access from $30 a week, platinum membership access from $40 a week.
Therapy Fitness
As the name suggests, Therapy Fitness aims to bridge the gap between physical and mental health through immersive fitness experiences.
Offering Cycle, Connect, and RunLift classes there is a bit of everything included at Therapy.
With LED lights and blaring music, the three multi-sensory studios provide a completely immersive workout experience.
Co-Owner Emma Masters said she felt like the fitness industry had been steering itself in the wrong direction for a long time by trying to sell a dream body.
“I really wanted to create a space where we did the complete opposite … we just embrace who we are, our natural abilities or natural talents and be the best version of who you are,
“We tried to bridge the gap between physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health and create a space where people feel really safe and comfortable,” she said.
Co-owner Kyle Riley also said that by being strong in their values they’ve built an inclusive community and a safe space where people can come and exercise.
“Everyone’s really got each other’s back and we’ve not really forced that. It’s kind of happened itself and I think it’s happened because we’ve been so strong in what our message is,” he said.
Address: Q Super Centre, 14 Allandale Entrance (Cnr Bermuda and Markeri streets), Mermaid Waters
Five class intro offer $55, 21-days unlimited classes $99 and other membership options available.
NBHD Training
Offering both infra-red hot pilates and group strength and conditioning, NBHD is a boutique training facility that fosters a group of like-minded people to build a supportive fitness community.
Owner Kurt Foggo who has a background in design said he had a vision for the space and wanted to make it aesthetically pleasing.
“(I wanted to create) somewhere that feels good to train in and come to each day. That was really the inspiration,” he said.
Mr Foggo also said community was a massive part of his vision for the neighbourhood.
“The whole ethos is like, just showing up for the community, shine and better yourself and prove yourself and it’s always progressing,” he said.
Address: 2582 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
$50 intro offer will give you unlimited access to all facilities. Different rates apply after the two weeks is up.
KBOD Fitness
Have fun and dance like nobody is watching is CEO of KBOD Kelli Grauer’s philosophy to revolutionise the Gold Coast fitness community as she offers innovative dance-based workouts that sculpt and strengthen the body while having the maximum amount of fun.
With a background in dance and choreography, even helping to choreograph a Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, Ms Grauer has a wealth of experience and said she wanted to create a community where people could exercise in a fun way.
“It’s about giving it a go and giving yourself a platform where you’re allowed to learn and you’re allowed to go for it.
You’re allowed to have fun and you’re allowed to make a mistake,” she said.
Ms Grauer said KBOD was for everyone.
“There is no ageism on the dance floor at all, you’ve got a 68-year-old chatting and laughing with a 28-year-old,” she said.
Classes offered at: The Dance Shed in Bundall, Robina Community Centre and Tugun Village Community Centre.
$18 single-class pass, $26 double-class pass, $80 five-class pass, $150 10-class pass
Milon Marina Mirage
Whether you are seeking weight loss, endurance exercises, muscle building training, the Milon Marina Mirage gym can help.
Offering individualised training plans, biometric scans and progress tracking on their milonME app.
Milon Marina Mirage General Manager Trent Ford said Milon caters to a wide range of ages with both a gym and a fitness centre.
“We offer about 40 classes a week as part of our membership and we do everything from stretching, yoga, pilates, strength and mobility,” he said.
Mr Ford also mentioned that community was a massive part of what makes Milon at Marina Mirage so special.
“Everybody’s welcome here, all shapes sizes … it’s a really good vibe here among members, it’s very supportive and inclusive,” he said.
Address: Level 1 Marina Mirage, 74 SeaWorld Drive, Main Beach
Memberships from $25 a week.
Movement Innovation
Focused on an empowered community, Movement Innovation is “more than just a gym”.
Committed to empowering everyone regardless of age, fitness level or goals is owner Luke Nivison-Smith’s promise to his clients.
“A lot of people have tried dieting, and they’ve tried training, and they give up but if you’re around a group of people that you enjoy being around and motivate you, you will do really well,” he said.
Movement Innovation’s tailored classes, cutting-edge facilities, and supportive atmosphere aim to make fitness an exciting, rewarding journey for everyone that walks through its doors.
Offering a range of different classes including Swole, Stretch, Speed, Strike, Stamina and Strength there’s something for everyone.
Movement Innovation are also committed to ensuring individualised guidance is provided to its clients, designed to keep them injury-free and performing at their best.
“Health is very valuable and you need to make decisions now to live a good life in 10, 20, 30 years … it all starts with getting fit and helping your mental health by staying active,” Mr Nivison-Smith said.
Address: Shop 10/5/7 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Burleigh Heads
28-day intro offer, trial the first week free.
Elev8 Health and Performance
Take the monotony and mundane out of your training and elevate your results through lifestyle inspired programs at Elev8 Health and Performance.
Fighting every day for happier healthier humans, owner Luke Whitaker said Elev8’s programs are suited to every walk of life.
“Community is our foundation here and the core reason why we’re still here is definitely the people that are involved. They make the place what it is today.
“We have a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome and getting them fit and healthy quite quickly,” he said.
Teaching the fundamentals of strength and conditioning, the Elev8 space is made up of weights, conditioning equipment and open space.
Mt Whitaker says it is so clients can move their body the way it was made to and encourages them to learn how to move outside of a fixed plane of motion.
Elev8 client Kel D said: “It’s great to be in such a supportive environment where everyone encourages members to live an active lifestyle in and out of the gym.”
Address: Unit 2/14-16 Kohl St, Upper Coomera
$44.95 per week for a 12-month membership or $49.95 per week with no lock-in contract.
Samsara Women’s Health Club
If you’re looking for a restorative health club for rejuvenation and to boost your mental and physical strength, Samsara is for you.
Designed to be a wellness centre for women of all ages, Samsara dietitian Alex Mcleod said it was created to be space where women feel safe and nurtured.
“It’s really designed to be a space where women can feel like they can just show up how they are and really move with what they feel their body needs.
“(There’s) no ulterior motive other than just nurturing themselves from the inside out and supporting one another,” she said.
Not only is Samsara a 24-hour gym, they also provide access to reformer pilates classes, small group trainings, yoga, barre and high intensity classes.
Also available is an exercise physiologist, a dietitian, infra-red saunas and personalised programming and assessments every six weeks.
Ms Mcleod said a big focus at Samsara was the community and she sees a lot of intergenerational relationships forming in the studio.
“Everyone is so encouraging towards one another, it’s a culture of kindness and encouragement.
“It’s definitely a really warm, nurturing environment where women can just feel safe, safe to love one another and safe to form healthy relationships,” she said.
Address: 11A Lae Drive, Runaway Bay
Choice between $39, $49 or $69-a-week plan for access to different facilities.
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