Overview
By now, if you don't do F45 yourself, you most certainly know someone who does. Since its first studio opened in 2012, the 45-minute fitness franchise has grown insanely quickly, with over 500 studios in Australia and hundreds overseas. And while lots of gym-goers obviously thrive in this type of group environment, for others it can seem like an intimidating scenario.
If that sounds like you, Potts Point's new gym could be your high-intensity alternative. One of the original founders of F45, Luke Istomin has opened a new kind of gym this month called Reunion.
Reunion runs functional 50-minute fitness classes throughout the week, each of which are aimed at building core strength, body conditioning, mobility and recovery. While the classes are similar to what you'd find people sweating over in an F45 studio, Reunion's approach differs from those of other group training programs.
When you sign up, you'll be matched with two other members who, ideally, have similar physical abilities and fitness goals. Then, you'll start to train as a trio. The idea is that you'll motivate and support each other and work together to hit the fitness milestones you're all looking for. The gym is trying to combat how intimidating it can be to roll up to a group class not knowing anyone and feeling completely out of your depth as you try and figure out what to do with your arms.
The new spot is the result of a collaboration with the Australian-based creative consultancy Frost Collective, and the culmination of Istomin's many years in the fitness industry.
As well as being an original co-founder of F45 (he is no longer involved with the company), Itsomin is one of the most qualified PTs in Sydney — he's worked with Nicole Kidman and Leonardo DiCaprio, and was responsible for Hugh Jackman's transformation into Wolverine. With this new venture it seems that Istomin wants to make some changes to the often monotonous world of group training by making it accessible to everyone, without the hefty price tag that comes with working one-on-one with a personal trainer. He is one of four regular trainers at the Macleay Street gym.
If you're keen to give it a go, Reunion is currently offering two weeks of classes for $59. Otherwise, drop-in classes are $39 and memberships start at $59 a week.
Find Reunion at 46a Macleay Street Potts Point, Sydney.