This new gym will have you sweating faster than you can say ‘Are you not entertained?’

Posted on 1 May, 2023

Meet 98 Gym—the newest edition to the City’s bustling fitness scene that will have you challenging your inner Gladiator à la Russell Crowe.

That’s right, originally founded in 2010 by the iconic Aussie-but-not-actually actor himself alongside former pro-British rugby league player Chris Feather, Russell Crowe’s very own  98 Gym is now making its way to Canberra to help locals take their fitness and mental strength to a whole new level.

Sound like a run-of-the-mill gym (apart from the founders)? Not so much.

If you don’t know what makes 98 Gym so iconic in the fitness industry, we’ll break it down for you. There are six different classes that run throughout the week: two for strength training, two for conditioning, one for cardio, and “game day” on Saturdays. Each class is designed to focus on one element of your overall fitness, which is then put to the test on game day—a more intense workout where you compete for your team (just like Saturday morning sports).

Focusing on high-octane strength and conditioning training (think: deadlifts, burpees, squats, and sprints just to name a few of the exercises you’ll be doing throughout the week), according to Canberra studio owner, operator, and dietitian Harriet Walker, what makes 98 Gym unique is you’re not just doing a workout for the sake of exercise—each session is part of a larger macro-cycle in the training program.

“The program is designed by sports scientists, each session has a purpose and the coaches, our mission is to coach—not cheerlead. We want to make sure people understand the programming and understand they ‘why’ behind what they are doing.,” she says.

“We like to focus on people who are willing to take the time to learn the process, understand themselves, and learn more about themselves through the training…there’s definitely going to be an element of more accountability and that community aspect.”

Originally starting as a small, invite-only gym at 98 Riley Street Sydney, the Canberra location will open in early May and see six  45 to 60-minute classes running Monday to Friday and two on Saturday, all capped at 24 people. With plans to add more classes in the future, Harriet says that this form of workout is ideal for anyone looking for an athletically-focused program that has no focus on aesthetics or weight loss—instead, it’s all about feeling good and challenging yourself.

“It’s about the effort you want to put in. You’re not always going to be the fittest or strongest person in the room, it’s more based around your willingness to work for your team and work for yourself as well,” says Harriet.

“That’s really the ethos that’s formed the base of the gym. I’ve worked with a lot of gyms and businesses and it’s rare that you get a company where they are so clear on their values and mission—where it translates properly through staff, morale, and action.”

As a 98 Gym devotee herself—training with Chris Feather at the original studio since 2014 and loving every minute of it—Harriet is excited to bring the franchise to Canberra as she gets ready to kick off the bespoke classes on Monday 8 May.

“I want to be able to share this with my community. I grew up in Canberra and Canberra has a rich fitness culture, but it’s quite small,” she says.

“I’m excited to bring a well-thought-out product to people who are interested in strength, conditioning, and personal development because I’ve gotten so much out of my training, and I think it’s really nice to bring that here…bring something fun.”

Ready to challenge yourself? Visit 98gym.com to learn all about the 98 Gym Canberra intro offer—and get ready to be entertained.

Images supplied.