Now Open: One Playground Merrylands Brings the Brand's 'Superboutique' Gym Model to Western Sydney for the First Time
With over 100 state-of-the-art machines, six purpose-built studios offering over 300 classes per week and a dedicated wellness and recovery zone, One Playground Merrylands is the brand's biggest and most ambitious studio to date.
The way we work out is changing. Where cookie-cutter chain gyms once dominated the playing field, the past decade has seen a steady rise in smaller, more considered operations that cater to more specific needs and wellness goals – evidenced by the continuing proliferation of bathhouses dotted around town. At the forefront of this wellness revolution in Sydney is homegrown brand One Playground, which bills itself as a 'superboutique' studio that blends cutting-edge training, boutique-style classes and next-level recovery, all under one roof.
And it's this model that One Playground has now debuted in Sydney's west with the opening of One Playground Merrylands, a sprawling two-level facility spread across 3000 square metres. Located within the architecturally striking Mason & Main mixed-use precinct, the new gym — the group's largest to date — boasts a massive 1500-square-metre training floor fitted with over 100 state-of-the-art machines, from Technogym cardio equipment to custom Gym80 strength machines and sleek, stainless steel Watson dumbbells. Plus, 11 squat racks, 24 benches and four leg press machines means less chance of awkwardly standing around waiting for equipment to free up. There's also a quieter Comfort Zone catering to those seeking a more relaxed training environment, whether warming up or cooling down.
Beyond the weights room, six purpose-built studios offer over 300 classes every week. Whether you're punching it out in the boxing-focused Legacy room, flowing through a yoga class in Space or pushing your limits in high-intensity Force classes, there's a variety and volume of programming that you'll be hard pressed to find at any other gym. Add in reformer pilates and semi-private studios, and there's something for every fitness level and personality.
It's not all pumping and grinding, though, as One Playground Merrylands also has a big focus on recovery. The expansive studio features a dedicated tranquil zone featuring private infrared saunas and communal traditional saunas, ideal for post-workout resets or mindful solo sessions. Think of it as a one-stop shop for both performance and restoration, all under one beautifully designed roof.
And it's in its design that the gym truly sets itself apart. Inspired by the opulence of Dubai and Morocco, the interiors channel desert resort vibes, from its soaring 5.5-metre-high ceilings framed with elegant arched windows, to the terracotta-rendered walls, natural stone accents and micro-cement floors. A custom pink marble water fountain anchors the wellness lounge, setting the tone in the tranquil space.
"One Playground Merrylands is our most exciting project to date — it's an ambitious design on an enormous scale, unlike anything else in the world," says Justin Ashley, One Playground CEO and Co-Founder. "When we started this project three years ago, it was always more than 'just another gym'. Our goal was to bring a world-class health and wellness destination to Western Sydney." It's fair to say the brief has been nailed.
One Playground Merrylands is now open at 233 Merrylands Road, Merrylands. It's open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, head to the studio's website.
