Improving mental health is just as important as improving fitness at Growth Gym, a new 24/7 gym set to open in Burnett Heads.
Owner Zak Menhennett said he wanted to open the gym after seeing the positive impact of fitness on mental wellbeing.
“I’ve been in and out of the fitness industry for a few years and seen the effects of mental health on people, and I’ve seen how fitness can change that,” Zak said.
“This gym isn’t about everyone looking like a bodybuilder or Instagram model, but by making a positive impact on mental health you impact relationships, and you save lives.
“Even changing one life makes it all worthwhile.”
Zak said he was inspired to take the leap and start his own business in the fitness industry after the birth of his daughter.
“One day I woke up and thought, how do I want my kids to see me?
“Happy. And what makes me happy? Helping others.”
Zak said Growth Gym would focus on families as well as fitness and he is bringing with him years of experience working in gyms and being an active member of the sporting community.
“Growing up we had a gym at the back of our house, and I’d be in and out daily annoying the owners and staff there by asking a million questions.”
He also spent eight years playing for Brothers and was the president of Pythons Rugby Union Club.
“My speciality is in rehabilitation as I’ve had quite a few injuries over the years, including to my wrist, knees, back, shoulder and ankle.”
Zak said the gym would also have other personal trainers available that specialise in areas such as weight loss and plans to incorporate boot camps and parent and baby classes.
With Growth Gym Burnett Heads expected to be opened in mid-October, Zak said he had been working to make it a first-class facility.
This includes installing a shower for clients, all-hours access swipe cards and top of the range equipment.
“We’ve got the best gear money can buy, with Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment, interactive computer screens on treadmills and cross-trainers, there’s everything you’d expect at a big gym.”
Zak has big plans for Growth Gym with another two gyms to be constructed in Bundaberg over the next year to provide more options for members.
To celebrate the upcoming opening, Zak is offering a limited number of discounted memberships with no joining fee through the Growth Gym Facebook page.
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