No millennials: Over 50s gyms take off to thwart ‘gymtimidation’

A chain of Queensland gyms have banned millennials in a bid to curb “gymtimidation” for over 50s.

A chain of Queensland gyms have banned millennials in a bid to curb “gymtimidation” for over 50s.

Exercise physiologist Jonathon Freeman learned through clients and family members that not enough older Australian were getting the exercise they needed, and there was one major barrier.

They often felt discouraged by the competitive atmospheres of conventional gyms and worried that they couldn’t keep the pace.

A gap in the market led Mr Freeman, who is only 35, to open his first Club Active- a gym purposely built for the over 50s demographic.

“When people go to the gym, they often want to change the way they look- that’s not always a great environment for a demographic who wants to go to the gym to help the way they function which is the big thing for over 50s,” Mr Freeman said.

“They are happy with themselves and they are comfortable about ageing but they just want to stay functional.

“It’s more about the internal health.”

Brisbane’s Judy Howard, 65, wanted to get active so she could run around after her nine grandchildren but she was intimidated by the thought of joining a gym.

“To be honest, all the beautiful young people are quite off-putting when you’re old, so when I saw Club Active advertised for over 50s, it really appealed to me,” she said.

Judy Howard, 65, working with exercise physiologist Tom Stokes of Club Active Carindale. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Freeman was quietly chuffed that his simple idea resonated with so many Australians. The entrepreneur now has six gyms across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, with five more set to launch this year.

“It’s definitely been well received, particularly in our Carindale community where there’s a big catchment,” Mr Freeman said.

“We’re looking forward to further growth around Brisbane and in Sydney too.”

The gym works closely with general practitioners and other medical professionals to develop chronic disease management plans and exercise prescriptions for clients, many of whom are covered by a variety of healthcare rebates.

Commonly treated conditions include osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, and musculoskeletal disorders like chronic lower back pain or hip and knee replacements.

Mr Freeman aims to open 100 clubs across Australia in the next five years, while launching globally.

Originally published as No millennials: Over 50s gyms take off to thwart ‘gymtimidation’