A privately-owned Norlane gym is offering a free weekly class to local residents of all fitness levels.
Max Effort Fitness owner Brad Lomas said he started the Saturday class because he believes people deserve a coached option in a gym, that doesn’t cost them anything.
“If you walk through our door on a Saturday, you get a coach who cares whether you train and whether you come back the next week,” he said.
Brad opened his gym in Walpole Parade in 2023 after working as personal trainer in other gyms. He offers group fitness classes, one-on-one personal training, nutrition coaching and massage therapy, as well as open gym access for members.
An accredited exercise physiologist, Liz, runs the Friday night Activate class and also works with members who have specific health or rehab needs.
Brad said his members are a broad mix, ranging from the Monday afternoon Kid’s Group through to men and women in their 60s and 70s. Fitness levels range from total beginners through to barbell lifters, plus several NDIS-funded participants supported through the gym’s community access programs.
“We’re a long way from the intimidating gym stereotype,” Brad said.
“The free Saturday sessions are for anyone. Total beginners, parents who haven’t trained since school, older locals wanting to stay mobile, teens looking for somewhere safe to train, people coming back from injury. No fitness level required.”
Session run for 60 minutes, starting at 9.30am sharp. They include a mix of strength and conditioning.
“Everything is scaled to the person in front of us, so a complete beginner and someone who’s been training for years can both get a great session out of the same hour,” Brad said. “Coach Liz is on the floor too, so there’s extra support for anyone managing an injury or health condition.”
There are 20 free places for every Saturday session. To register online, use the link at maxeffortfitness.com.au/booking-calendar/free-community-class or message on Facebook or Instagram (@maxeffortfitness), or just turn up on the day if there’s a spot.
Brad said the Saturday classes are not just a free trial that eventually ends.
“It’s free, full stop, forever. We are a business, so you might end up on our email list, but we don’t do hard sales pitches. The coaching and the community sell this place far better than I ever could.”
Max Effort Fitness is at 3/9 Walpole Parade, Norlane.