Over 2,500 workouts and counting: Chris’s TAFE Queensland fitness journey

Run in conjunction with TAFE Queensland’s Sport and Fitness training programs, the South Bank Fitness Centre is open to students, staff, and the public, offering affordable memberships and personal training sessions delivered by students under expert supervision.

However, the South Bank Fitness Centre has been about far more than fitness for Chris, with the gym’s community giving him a sense of belonging.

“I retired from my teaching job in 2013 but not from life, and I wanted to see what life might be like if I started caring for myself properly,” said Chris.

After recovering from a serious illness in 2014, Chris was determined to turn his setback into a comeback, and the results speak for themselves.

“Joining the South Bank Fitness Centre in 2015 was my first step toward reclaiming my health, and I haven’t looked back since. Every journey begins with a single step - and the gym was the perfect place to take it.”

“It’s taken me 2,500 workouts to understand the mind-body connection truly. The consistency, camaraderie, and encouragement here have kept me coming back,” he said.

When Chris sustained a leg injury in 2023, he worked with TAFE Queensland student trainer Tanya, who designed a targeted rehabilitation program that restored his mobility and strength.

“Tanya’s knowledge and skill were remarkable - she identified my movement issues, designed a plan to rebuild strength, and got me walking pain-free again. It shows the calibre of students coming through TAFE Queensland’s fitness programs,” continued Chris.

At just $9.95 a week for membership and $7.50 for personal training sessions, the South Bank Fitness Centre offers unbeatable value.

“Over ten years, I've saved more than $5,000 compared to Australia's average gym membership cost. This extra money helps me cover bills, boost savings, cut debt, and manage finances with less stress. It also keeps me prepared for economic changes,” explained Chris.

While the cost savings are tremendous, Chris says what truly sets South Bank Fitness apart is its inclusive and community-driven culture.

“Other gyms can feel competitive or intimidating, but here everyone is supportive. The staff and members create an environment of respect and encouragement. I train with Denis, the two Ians, Geoff, and Mark – we come from all walks of life, but the gym brings us together.”

South Bank Fitness Centre staff, as well as students, have all played key roles in Chris’s decade-long journey.

“Mal Porter taught me the importance of mindset - that if you change your words, you change your life. Kyle Jones pushed me to get one per cent better every day.”

“Aurelio Machado showed me that fitness is a lifestyle, not a destination. And Luke Styles reminded me that health is a moral obligation about feeling good mentally and physically.”

“It’s a classroom and a community all in one, and while achieving 2,500 workouts is extraordinary, it wouldn’t have happened without an environment that embodies consistency, connection, and commitment,” concluded Chris.