5 -min read

The Benefits of Semi-Private Reformer Pilates

The opening of The Urban Oasis, a new wellness destination nestled in the heart of Surry Hills, One Playground is introducing a transformative new way to experience Reformer Pilates: Semi-Private classes.   This brand-new offering emphasises personalised attention, accountability and outcome-based programming, making it distinct from the larger, more music-driven group classes.   But what […]

4 -min read

Meet Coach Alessandro: The Bunker’s Resident Italian with a Passion for Performance

We caught up with The Bunker’s resident Italian to discover why he came to Australia, what his clients can expect from working with him, and what he misses most about Italy.   Hey Alessandro, why did you make the move from Italy to Australia? Born and raised in Italy, I spent most of my life […]

3 -min read

Meet Coach Ngoc, Combining Training and Nutrition for Optimal Results

Hey Ngoc! How Did You Get into Nutrition and Coaching? Okay first of all, if you look at my name and think “How do I pronounce it?”. It’s as simple as “knock”, coach dumpling ngoc if you will (if you know you know).   Let’s go back to where it all started. I grew up […]

4 -min read

Is Hot Pilates the Newest Wellness Workout you should add to your weekly routine?

What are the Benefits of Hot Pilates You might have heard of Hot Yoga and it would be hard to miss Reformer Pilates that’s taken Australia by storm. Now, a fusion of the two that takes the principles of Pilates and the intensity of a heated environment, is also soaring in popularity. Hot Pilates is […]

4 -min read

The Life-Changing Benefits of Meditation: A Path to Inner Peace and Wellbeing

In a fast-paced world where stress and anxiety seem to be constant companions, finding a moment of calm can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But what if there was a simple, effective practice that could help you manage stress, improve your mental health, and enhance your overall quality of life? Enter […]

4 -min read

The Mirage, Merrylands: A Brand New One Playground Destination is Coming to Western Sydney

One Playground Merrylands Opening in early 2025, One Playground is set to revolutionise the Western Sydney fitness scene with a brand new health and wellness destination: The Mirage.   Experience the elegance of a high-end hotel fused with the cutting-edge amenities of a wellness centre, boutique studios, and best-in-class equipment sourced from around the globe. […]

5 -min read

7 Reasons to Add Infrared Sauna to Your Wellness Routine

Infrared Saunas From the Roman Baths to Scandinavian retreats and soon to the heart of Surry Hills, Sydney, saunas have long been a popular method to soothe, relax and rejuvenate.   In recent years, a new innovation in sauna technology has taken the wellness scene by storm, offering heightened benefits to a traditional sauna: the […]

5 -min read

The Flagship, Haymarket: Unveiling Our Brand New One Playground Experience

One Playground Haymarket We at One Playground proudly announce the grand opening of our flagship location in Haymarket, Sydney, celebrating a decade of innovation and excellence in fitness.   Get ready for the future of fitness, where luxury meets innovation in every workout.    Prepare to enter a space where luxury and cutting-edge technology converge […]

3 -min read

Who Are The One Playground Record Holders

Recently, we got the whole company together to celebrate our past 10 years and look ahead to all the exciting things we have coming up in the future.   During this time, we recognised nine One Playground record holders who have achieved the highest level in their respective fields across various departments and skills over […]

3 -min read

Meet Coach Jennia: Moving Around the World to Find Home Within Yourself

Jennia is a big dreamer and achiever. She has moved countries, changed careers and has found a passion for life and fitness in her new home.   Her journey includes stints as a swim instructor, a Russian language teacher, and completing yoga teacher training,   Today, she’s found her true calling at The Bunker Gym, […]

6 -min read

The Industry Ready Programme: How to be a Successful PT

Why is the Industry Ready Programme needed? Stepping out onto the gym floor for your first day as a personal trainer is nerve-wracking enough. Clients are putting their money, time and trust into the coach to help them embark on a very personal journey.   This isn’t helped by the fact that PT courses at […]

4 -min read

Discover the Urban Oasis Coming to Surry Hills

The evolution of Surry Hills On 5th June 2024, we celebrated our 10th birthday, a whole decade of endless experiences.   Back in 2014, our first gym Surry Hills opened its doors, inviting members to discover a neon playground complete with sled tracks and monkey bars.   Since then, the One Playground offering in this […]

4 -min read

What is the ‘Runner’s High’ and How Can You Achieve It?

Runner’s High It’s official – running is taking over. It’s free, it gets you outdoors and it does wonders for your cardiovascular health!   Whether you’ve been in the running game for a while or you’re fresh to the fun, you’ll probably have experienced a conversation similar to this:    Imagine this: you’re standing there […]

4 -min read

What Is HYROX And How Do I Train For The Race?

What is HYROX? It’s true, HYROX is taking over! With many trading in their slow, hungover Sunday mornings for long runs and functional workouts, the enthusiasm for this unique fitness event shows no signs of slowing down.   But what exactly is HYROX, and is the race worth the effort?   There’s a reason why […]

3 -min read

What are the Benefits of Joining a Run Club?

What are the Benefits of Joining a Run Club? Lace up your trainers, running has arrived at One Playground!   Introducing One Run: the perfect way to bring the community together for some fun and movement, improving your cardiovascular fitness and getting to know your fellow One Playground members.   We caught up with Jen […]

4 -min read

From Grand Theatre to Modern Playground: Newtown’s Inspiring Transformation

From Grand Theatre to Modern Playground: Newtown’s Inspiring Transformation Tucked into the bustling King Street is One Playground Newtown. But this haven of treadmills, barbells and now, reformer beds, wasn’t always the sleek space it is today.   Rewind back to the 1920s, the building was originally built as an independent cinema. After 40 years, […]

5 -min read

Strength Training, Toning Up and Syncing Your Cycle: Why Women Should Strength Train with Coach Jaqueline

Meet Jacqueline, a coach at One Playground who is dedicated to helping women get strong, build their confidence and feel their best! She's on hand to explain why women should hit the gym and how to navigate training around their menstrual cycle.

5 -min read

Acrobatics, CircusFit and Combating Nerves with Coach Gemma Lewis

Meet Gemma, one of One Playground’s superstar coaches who, when she’s not helping her clients, can likely be found upside down on an aerial hoop!

5 -min read

How to Get Hired as a One Playground Group Trainer: Secrets to Standing Out

We caught up with Head of Group Fitness, Laura Basta, on what it takes to be an instructor and how to stand out during an audition.

4 -min read

From Rookie Group Trainer to Head Fight Coach: Meet Joey Bowling

Discover Joey's journey from rookie group trainer to Head Fight Coach, mentor and Culture King at One Playground.

2 -min read

The Latest in Wellness: Meet Reformer FLEX and JUMPBOARD

For the first time at One Playground, get ready for Reformer Pilates classes designed to target specific areas of your body!

3 -min read

From the Military to the Slopes to the One Playground Gym Floor: Meet Coach Ray Bishop

Meet Ray, a coach at Surry Hills with a journey unlike any other with experiences most of us can’t even imagine.

4 -min read

Why I Started Burlesque with Lou P Scarlett

We spoke to Lou P Scarlett about how she got involved in the glitz, glam, hard work and determination that goes into Burlesque.

5 -min read

What is Progressive Overload?

If building strength and gaining muscle are your goals, this one concept stands as the cornerstone of progress: progressive overload. But what is it and how can we ensure our programming is as effective as possible? Head of Coaching Matt Duncan is on hand to explain all.

4 -min read

4 Reasons To Try Reformer Pilates

There’s a reason why Reformer Pilates has taken the wellness world by storm! Discover why in our latest blog: 4 Reasons to Try Reformer Pilates

6 -min read

Who was Crowned One Playground’s Club of the Year?

Behind the scenes at one playground, your favourite coaches and trainers have been enjoying the final days of the year, fueled by some healthy competition.

2 -min read

Strength Training – Keeping it Simple.

Matt is a Personal Trainer and Strength Coach, originally from a small country town in western NSW. Health and fitness have always been his passions. So much so that he decided at age 16 that he wanted to be a PT. He reached that goal 10 years ago, in which time he’s enjoyed helping others reach their goals.

2 -min read

Teaching the Power of Movement 

Meet Mica, an experienced teacher and coach who helps people move better. Click the link below to learn about Mica's training philosophy and her efforts to dispel fitness myths.

4 -min read

A Journey from FP to One Playground

It’s been seven months since Fitness Playground became One Playground. We share how we became One Playground, why we did it, how it is going, and whether it was worth it?

3 -min read

How to Set Goals with One Playground CEO, Justin Ashley

One Playground Co-Founder and CEO Justin Ashley just took the title of Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Here the successful professional outlines his exact goal-setting process. It’s a process that will work for you too, no matter what you do or where you want to go.

3 -min read

“Day of Wellness” Sessions for World Health Day

On World Health Day, 7th April, Fitness Playground’s Wellness Playground will be delivering “A Day of Wellness” – a range of free online health and wellbeing sessions available to the public throughout the day. These bite-sized 20-minute sessions will cover a range of wellness topics, from mental wellbeing, to nutrition, energy, relaxation techniques and bite-sized pilates and yoga sessions to break up your day.

< 1 -min read

Move with Mum

Treat Mum to pilates & prosecco at our luxe Wellness Playground in the lead up to Mother’s Day. Open to everyone – both members & non-members of Fitness Playground. ‍Date: Saturday 7th May (day before Mother’s Day) Time: 1:30pm–3:00pm Who can come: Anyone aged 16+ (Both members & non-members are welcome; all fitness levels) Cost: $10 per person donation to PANDA, a charity that supports those dealing with Perinatal Anxiety & Depression

4 -min read

8 Years of Fitness Playground: Fitness Then, Now & What’s Next

It’s 8 years today since the first Fitness Playground opened, in Surry Hills. A lot has changed – for FP and the wider fitness landscape – since then. And what’s coming next is even more exciting. Fitness Playground’s CEO & Co-Founder Justin Ashley has recently returned from the world’s biggest fitness show, FIBO, in Germany. He got a good picture of what the near-future of fitness holds, and it’s looking bright.  He takes a quick trip down the memory lane of fitness before giving a sneak peek of what’s to come.

4 -min read

What’s So Good About this Sydney Gym Company, Named International “Boutique of the Year”?

Fitness Playground started as a small bootcamp. In 2014, the bootcamp was moved indoors to get members out of the rain. That became the first Fitness Playground gym, in Surry Hills. Fast-forward eight years and there are four gyms in Sydney. The company’s co-founders, Justin Ashley and Serra Burmin, have been named Australian Young Entrepreneurs of the Year; while the gym company has been voted international fitness and wellness ‘Boutique of the Year’, at the FIT Summit in Singapore this month. So what’s so special about these gyms?

2 -min read

Transforming Fitness Industry Education

The rise of online learning means convenience is prioritised over quality. Online courses fail to focus on the fact that personal training is a people-centric role that’s all about human connection. It's near impossible to learn a face-to-face profession via a screen.

5 -min read

7 Years of Fitness Playground

I've been in the fitness industry since I was 18 years old. I was originally a school teacher, a PE teacher, and prior to that I was a semi-professional soccer player, I then ended up working my way up to managing a Fitness First club. I thought, you know what, I want to try and do this myself.

2 -min read

The ‘Wellness Playground’ revolutionising the fitness industry

To position fitness services at the frontline of preventative healthcare, award-winning Australian gym company Fitness Playground has reinvented one of their Sydney facilities to create a new breed of gym. Their very first “Wellness Playground” will be situated in the inner west suburb of Marrickville. The Wellness Playground is a state-of-the-art oasis of new studios, hangout spaces, equipment and classes paired with bespoke experiences, which are all uniquely designed to enrich members’ mental wellness as well as physical health.

3 -min read

Deload Week: What Is It? How Do I Do It? When Do I Do It?

Deloading gives your body a break without losing gains. Learn why, when and how to deload based on your training intensity.

3 -min read

Flexibility – Friend Or Foe? How To Improve Your Flexibility In 4 Easy Steps

Use these 4 tips to start your flexibility journey and enhance your recovery time, muscle stamina and mobility on the way.

4 -min read

How To Get A Wider Chest: 3 Steps To Add To Your ‘Chest Day’

Learn how to target all sections of your pectorals when doing chest exercises to grow a wide and defined chest.

4 -min read

Sleeping Shouldn’t Be Stressful! 5 Tips To Improve Your Sleep

Most of us can’t get a full 8 hours of sleep. Use these 5 tips to get better, deeper, and longer sleeps.

3 -min read

How To Un-fu*k Yourself: 3 Lifestyle Principles To Get Healthy

It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of unhealthy habits. Use these 3 principles to create healthy habits and a sustainable lifestyle.

5 -min read

How To Count Calories For Your Body Type

Understanding your calorie intake is the key to losing, gaining or maintaining weight. Learn how to calculate and track your calories.

4 -min read

Five Reasons Men Should Do Pilates

Pilates targets stabilising muscles that support and hold your body upright. So, if you want a heavier and deeper squat, do your clams!

2 -min read

The Biscuit Theory: Learn To Eat Smarter

Sticking to an unrealistic diet is never going to be sustainable. Take the Biscuit Theory and apply to your everyday meals.

2 -min read

The Link Between Bodybuilding And Calisthenics

Assisted and eccentric chin-ups will only get you so far. Strength training should be the first step in your calisthenics journey.

3 -min read

4 Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Started Training

Don't waste your time at the start of your journey, learn from my mistakes. Use these 4 tips skip a step and get to your goals faster!

9 -min read

6 Horror Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes When Trying To Lose Weight

Weight loss is like saving. Set an overall goal and break it down into little wins. Seems simple, but it's easy to get wrong!

3 -min read

Understanding Mobility & Flexibility And Which One Is Right For You

Flexibility and Mobility are two very different things. Find out the differences and why you should be prioritising one over the other.

3 -min read

6 Steps To Creating A Healthy Lifestyle

Going to the gym twice a week and dieting fortnightly isn't enough. The first step to being healthy is creating long term habits.

2 -min read

Drinking Smarter: How Alcohol Affects Fat Loss

Alcohol has more of an effect on your body than you may think. Learn how to drink to keep fat gain low while still having a good time.

3 -min read

The Science and Execution of a Good Warm-Up

Warming up is often misunderstood and under-appreciated. Learn why warming up is so important and how to warm-up properly.

4 -min read

How to Create and Sustain Healthy Habits According to a Behavioural Scientist

Don't sign up for another 30-day challenge. Learn how to change your habits & make them stick with the help of a behavioural scientist

3 -min read

4 Big Sleep Spoilers and How to Beat Them

Sleep is a hugely underrated contributor to your overall health, including the results you gain from your efforts at the gym.

7 -min read

Men are More Likely to Be Chronically Stressed – Here’s How to Overcome That

Men are more likely to experience chronic stress – Fitness Playground's Head of Coaching fills us in on how to overcome this.

4 -min read

A Useful Technique to Feel Less Stressed Today (without Meditation or Scented Candles)

Fitness Playground’s Head of Coaching Matt Duncan shares some simple steps to reduce your stress reaction