Fitness in the Southern Highlands is every bit as happening as the food and wine scene. Just as well, really. We do need to balance it out all out, as well as stay healthy and strong.
Here’s my round up of places to get your sweat on, as well as work off the many indulgences at our gorgeous wineries and restaurants)!
Aurora Active
Fitness in the Southern Highlands became something I truly enjoyed when I found Aurora Active. I can never go past this amazing space in Bowral. Owner Stefan has state-of-the art equipment that ensures any age and stage of fitness get a great workout, without injury.
Regular sessions on the CAR.O.L Bike will have your cardio fitness elevated in no time. The Alter G Anti-Gravity Treadmill provides a safe form of movement for those recovering from injury. The VibroGym, offers a low-impact way of improving your overall fitness. There are plenty of other fitness-building machines too, and Stefan will tailor a workout to suit you.
Be sure to book one of Stefan’s legendary massages after your workout. It’s a whole new experience in massage. You’re fully clothed, and Stefan uses pressure point and a firm touch to release knots and tension. At the same time, the technique releases mental stress you may have. You leave feeling lighter on every level – physically, emotionally and mentally.
The Man Walk
This weekly gathering for guys begins at the Cherry Tree Walk near Bowral Swimming Pool. It has two main objectives. The first is to get men moving and improve their fitness by walking. The second is to provide a safe space to share stress and concerns. Ash Druery, a fit, healthy Bowral local, started the weekly walk in 2019. His objective was to provide men with a place to improve both physical and mental fitness. It’s been a great success.
Curves
This females-only space offers unique fitness solutions for strength and cardio health. The 30-minute sessions work every major muscle group through strength training, cardio and stretching. The variety of hydraulic resistance machines are ideal for women of any fitness level and support real results. One-one-one coaching is also available.
Anytime Fitness
This 24 hour, seven days a week fitness centre is perfect for those who keep irregular hours. All you do is sign up, get an access code and you can work out whenever you want. It has modern equipment for both cardio and strength training, and there are certain hours where you staff can take you through your training. Personal Training and Free Group PT sessions are also on offer. Your membership gives you access to 4000 Anytime Fitness centres worldwide!
Highlands Health Club
This busy centre, also in Mittagong, offers personal training, mindset coaching and nutrition coaching. It also has rehabilitation programming for those who may be injured and want to regain their strength and fitness. There are plenty of classes offered, including boxing, HIIT, Yoga, Pilate’s and the super fun Retro Aerobics – get your cardio on 1980’s style!
Highlands Health Club frequently gets teams together for fitness challenges like The Bloody Long Walk, Spartan Race Australia and Tough Mudder.
CrossFit Southern Highlands
I’ve never met a Cross-Fitter who wasn’t super fit and driven. If that sounds like you (or the person you want to become) then this Mittagong ‘cube’ (that’s CrossFit lingo for ‘studio’) is for you!
While the common perception of CrossFit is a series of punishing workouts and tough challenges, the truth is that all exercises are scaled to suit you. This means you can change the intensity fo the workout to suit your abilities, or indeed your energy levels on any given day. Bonus – your first class is free!
Moss Vale Aquatic Centre
This is one of the many swimming pools in the Highlands where you can get some serious laps in. There’s a fantastic 25-metre swimming pool as well as a terrific Bluefit Health Club, with all the top machines and weights, plus regular classes like boxing, spin class and stretch.
Plus Fitness Moss Vale
Plus Fitness in Moss Vale is another option for those with hectic timetables. it is sometimes staffed and you can attend classes and enjoy personal training in those times. At other times, enjoy working out on top notch equipment when it suits you!
The best thing is, you can come and go as you please, as you get an access code that lets you in around the clock. It also gives you access to over 180 Plus Fitness gyms around Australia (including one in Mittagong).
Simply Fitness Moss Vale
This boutique fitness studio is famed for its tough but fun Barre Attack classes, which whip you into shape in no time. Also on offer is MetaFit classes, a brutal but effective HIIT circuit that is thankfully over in 30 minutes. It’s really not as bad as it sounds. Owner and personal trainer Liz Sparkes customises each exercise to your abilities. You will see a vast improvement after just a few classes , even if you’re already very fit.
Other great workouts that are low impact include the TRX suspension training, core strength and foam rolling. Liz also offers running classes, boxing and kickboxing.
Evolution Strength And Fitness Moss Vale
A locally owned and operated gym, Evolution offers one-on-one training as well as group classes. Membership packages begin at $15 per week and include anything from general guidelines and three weekly programs, to weekly updated programs and nutritional coaching. The training facility also boasts a modern, fully equipped weights room and an array of functional fitness equipment.
