For years, Jess Peil would drive past the Erindale shops while taking her daughter to gymnastics and think the same thing.
“If I ever opened a gym in Erindale, that’s where I’d want it.”
Now, that vision has become reality.
After a 12-month build, Anytime Fitness Erindale has officially opened its doors, bringing a modern fitness facility to Canberra’s south. While the state-of-the-art equipment and dedicated recovery spaces are major drawcards, Jess says the real goal has always been to build a genuine sense of community.
“It’s about the people,” she says. “We’re in the people industry. We’d much rather people come in, have an amazing experience and feel like they belong than simply have somewhere to work out.”
That philosophy has helped shape the new Erindale facility.
The journey to opening wasn’t a quick one. Securing the additional space needed for the facility meant the project took more than a year to complete, with family members helping put the finishing touches on the gym right up until the night before opening.
That family involvement is nothing new.
While Anytime Fitness has grown into one of Australia’s largest fitness franchises, with more than 600 clubs nationwide and around 6,000 globally, its Australian origins have a strong Canberra connection.
Nearly two decades ago, Jess’ husband Richard Peil and fellow current owner Justin McDonnell were among the original group that brought Anytime Fitness to Australia. The agreement was signed in a small café in Collector, laying the foundations for what has since become one of the country’s largest fitness brands.
Today, multiple generations of the family remain involved in the business, including Jess’ niece, Alisia Hegarty, who has been involved with Anytime Fitness for over 15 years.
“We always joke that we bleed purple,” Alisia says. “I think people look at Anytime Fitness as this massive global brand, but they don’t always realise that behind many of the clubs are local families.”
That family-first philosophy extends well beyond the gym floor. The club has committed to returning 50 per cent of its profits to community causes, beginning with Bravehearts, followed by organisations including Running for Resilience and Menslink. Members will also have the opportunity to vote on future charities every six months.
Bravehearts is a cause especially close to Jess’s heart. Having participated in the 777 fundraising challenge for eight consecutive years, she has personally raised more than $650,000 for Bravehearts and hopes to eventually surpass the $1 million mark.
“We really want to give back to the community outside these walls,” she says.
“That’s what this club is about.”
While building a community is at the heart of Jess’s vision for Anytime Fitness Erindale, the club’s state-of-the-art facilities have been carefully designed to support every stage of a member’s fitness journey.
Downstairs is a spacious free weights area, while upstairs features premium Precor cardio equipment that even gives you a view overlooking the Brindabella Ranges.
Mental wellness and recovery are also a major focus of the new gym.
Members have access to massage chairs, massage guns, compression boots and two infrared saunas – one private sauna and a larger six-person sauna – recognising that looking after the body doesn’t stop when the workout ends.
“We’re not just looking at physical fitness,” Jess says. “We’re looking at mental wellbeing too, because it’s all connected.”
That holistic approach reflects changing attitudes towards health and fitness, where recovery, movement and overall wellbeing have become just as important as lifting heavier weights or running further.
Creating an environment where people feel comfortable is equally important.
Jess says many people, particularly those new to exercise, can find gyms intimidating, which is why the team has placed such a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
“It’s about making sure people feel safe and comfortable from the moment they walk through the door,” she says.
From first-time gym-goers to experienced athletes, students, families and older residents, the club is designed to welcome people at every stage of their fitness journey.
Supporting members doesn’t stop after sign-up either.
The club is introducing Anytime Fitness’s new 6STRONG platform, a training app that creates personalised programs based on each member’s goals, fitness level and experience.
Combined with an induction coach and a structured six-week onboarding program, the platform is designed to help members establish lasting habits during the critical first weeks of their fitness journey, when many people are most likely to lose motivation.
Future updates will also include personalised nutrition guidance, making the platform an all-in-one fitness companion.
For experienced gym-goers, the programs continue to evolve as members progress, ensuring workouts remain challenging and engaging.
For Jess, though, technology and facilities are simply tools to support the bigger picture. At the end of the day, her favourite part of owning a gym isn’t the equipment or even the workouts.
“It’s walking around and talking to people,” she says.
“I want to know people’s names. I want to hear about their families, celebrate their wins and be there when they’re having a tough time.
“If people leave here feeling like they’re part of something, then we’ve done our job.”
To find out more about Anytime Fitness Erindale, including memberships and facilities, visit the club or contact the team today.
Anytime Fitness Erindale
33 Gartside St, Wanniassa
