CLUB SPOTLIGHT: SUCCESS FORMULA FOR A STRONG START AT WORLD GYM, HERVEY BAY, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

World Gym Hervey Bay opened just four months ago and has already seen a remarkable increase in member engagement and retention, thanks to the introduction of Les Mills group fitness programs from day one. With over 1,000 members and more than 200 regularly taking part in group fitness classes, the gym is thriving. Discover how their community-driven approach and high-quality workouts are making a real difference.

A New Club with a Bold Vision

As a newly established gym, World Gym Hervey Bay set out to offer world-class fitness experiences from day one. Recognising the power of structured group fitness programs, they chose a credible and reputed offering that would engage members, build a strong fitness community and keep them ahead of industry trends.

Since launching their Les Mills programs, the gym has seen group fitness class attendance increase and aim to reach 30% in the coming months. These structured workouts have not only enhanced member satisfaction but also led to an increase in revenue from group fitness through new memberships.


Member Success Story: Fitness That Changes Lives

One of the most inspiring transformations has come from a married ex-military couple who joined the gym with mobility and rehabilitation concerns. Seeking low-impact workouts that deliver results, they discovered LES MILLS SPRINT ® and RPM ® classes. Since starting, they have each lost over 5kg and have become active motivators within the group fitness community, encouraging new participants and building a welcoming atmosphere.


The Role of Instructors & Community

Behind every successful group fitness program is a team of passionate and committed Instructors. The Les Mills Instructor Initial Training has been pivotal for World Gym Hervey Bay, ensuring that every class is professionally led, high-energy and results driven.

‘Our instructors are the heart of our Les Mills programs. Their passion and expertise transform every class into an experience, not just a workout,’ says Belinda Zimmermann, Fitness Team Leader at World Gym Hervey Bay.

In the past 12 months, leading up to our gym opening and in preparation for our team of new instructors, six instructors have completed Les Mills Initial Training. Some were training for the first time, while others expanded their skill sets by adding new classes to their repertoire, including LES MILLS SPRINT, RPM, BODYBALANCE®, BODYCOMBAT®, BODYPUMP® and LES MILLS SHAPES®.

Sara Lewis, one of the club’s RPM & Sprint Instructors, shares her journey:

‘World Gym Hervey Bay has been incredibly supportive of my progression to becoming an RPM and SPRINT Instructor. From the moment I expressed an interest in becoming an RPM Instructor, the club welcomed me and provided the support I needed—before the club had even opened. When I wanted to learn SPRINT, both the Group Fitness Team Leader and Owner were encouraging and provided classes for me to learn and receive mentorship. The club’s commitment to nurturing my learning through both upfront and ongoing coaching has been invaluable. In the past, I’ve found that other clubs didn’t value their members or Instructors, treating them as more transactional. At World Gym Hervey Bay, the club listens to its members and tailors its class timetable to meet their needs. Expectations from the Instructors are high, and we are all motivated to be the best Instructors in town!’

The sense of community at World Gym Hervey Bay extends well beyond the gym. New members are forging connections and building relationships outside the club. For example, a large group of mature group fitness ladies meets monthly for a lunch date. Instructors and members also come together to participate in events such as Hydrox and Paladin. On Saturdays, they join forces for the local parkrun, while others organise training sessions for adventure runs and treks, like the Kokoda Challenge on the Gold Coast. As the gym continues to grow, so too does its presence within the community.


Women’s Day Event – A Celebration of Strength

To bring the community together, on International Women's Day, the club hosted a special event featuring a fully booked LES MILLS SPRINT session — one of the newest programs introduced to the region. This marked their very first mini women-only event. Members fully embraced the occasion, dressing in purple and turning up with high energy. The atmosphere was empowering and supportive, with participants motivating each other through a fully immersive workout experience. True to the spirit of Group Fitness, the session left everyone feeling uplifted and inspired.

The event was a huge success — members pushed themselves to new fitness heights while reinforcing the strong sense of community that group fitness is all about.


What’s Next

World Gym Hervey Bay is already planning larger-scale themed fitness events to bring even more energy and excitement to their growing community. Future events will continue to feature Les Mills’ latest releases, ensuring members stay engaged and up to date with global fitness trends.

‘I would totally recommend Les Mills programs as they are backed by science, tried and tested. They stay current with global fitness trends, and the Instructor training is world-class. It’s a proven formula for success in any gym.’ – Belinda.

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