Going on holiday doesn’t have to mean lounging by the pool all day sipping cocktails. In fact, it can be an ideal time to get fit and finally start those workouts you’ve always had in mind.
With its plethora of fitness studios and yoga schools, Byron Bay offers a golden opportunity to soak up the feel-good vibes and get healthy. So grab a towel and healthy snack – and get ready to work up an endorphin-fuelled sweat.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of some of our favourite spots to work out in the nearby Arts & Industry Estate neighbourhood.
1) Bende Byron
Habitat, 1 Porter Street
Your mind and body will thank you for attending a class at Bende, located in the gorgeous new Habitat lifestyle precinct. Billed as a boutique pilates, barre, yoga and flow studio, you’ll get a little of everything here from slow, conscious movement to toning exercises and cardio intervals.
An easy seven-minute amble from Elements, this popular studio (now with a network across three states) offers a one-week holiday pass or an introductory two week pass.
2) F45
Habitat, 1 Porter Street
Also at the Habitat precinct is F45, an Australian fitness technique and studio that’s taken the world by storm (the ‘F’ stands for Functional Training and the ’45’ stands for the duration of all the classes – 45 minutes).
With more than 30 different systemised workouts at your disposal, F45 has been variously described as ‘high intensity’, ‘hell’ and ‘hardcore’, while being the ultimate adrenaline rush. If you’re ready to take on the challenge, and enjoy a full body burn, read on.
This revolutionary gym experience works by combining innovative training techniques with high grade equipment. Its high intensity interval, cardiovascular and strength workouts will leave you gasping for air, in tears or laughing, sweating, exhilarated…or a combination of all these things.
3) Counterpunch
2/4 Banksia Drive
Mention the word ‘boxing’ and flashbacks to the Rocky movies might pop into mind. But at Counterpunch, a five-minute drive from Elements, be prepared to encounter the sport from a wholly different perspective.
For starters, its signature classes are no contact. Instead, this boutique boxing and fitness studio focuses on workouts in a high-energy environment while having fun.
Warmups are followed by a mixed bag of technical padwork and aquabag drills to give your body a complete workout (for the uninitiated, aquabags are heavy bags filled with water, which mean less strain on your shoulders and wrists).
Designed for all ages and levels of experience, Counterpunch is perfect if you’d like to try something new, not to mention it’s a great way to release stress. Don’t forget to ask for the holiday pass.
4) Creature Yoga
11 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay (behind Allpress coffee)
If you’ve come to Byron Bay to align your chakras, find your bliss and deepen your truth-seeking ways while getting healthy, you might just find it at Creature Yoga in the Arts and Industry Estate.
You’ll be in yoga heaven with a balanced array of class styles, from a dynamic vinyasa flow to re-aligning hatha to a restorative yin style. This shala is a vibrant hub for yogis and yoginis at all levels, and no two classes are the same.
Creature Yoga states that it’s on a quest to “offer something for everyone, and to give you new steadiness, a new perspective, a new understanding to take with you – wherever you go”. This ethos captures the true spirit of yoga as a practice that goes well beyond the mat into a way of being in everyday life. Namaste!
5) The Academy
12/74 Centennial Circuit
This mixed martial arts academy gets fantastic reviews for good reason. The Academy hosts classes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, strength and conditioning, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Muay Thai and boxing – all in a warm and welcoming environment.
If you haven’t tried it out before, it’s true that martial arts is one of the most popular forms of self-defence. But there’s so much more to it than you’d expect.
This discipline also promotes confidence and can bring about a significant sea reset to your body, mind and spirit. According to The Academy, apart from keeping fit, martial arts can also help with weight loss, and even improve surfing abilities – an amazing drawcard, if you ask us.
6) Peachy Fit Byron Bay
Outdoors in and around Byron
Don’t want to venture too far? Ready to start your fitness journey with minimum fuss and maximum motivation? Well, you can with this incredible personal training option in and around Byron.
The crew at Peachy Fit (Elle or Sami) will come to you with a tailored package to help you meet your health goals. They can even organise childcare if you need it.
Workouts are 45 minutes long. You’re sure to feel revitalised after completing a challenging range of sequences designed to get your heart pumping and body moving. We dare you not to get addicted to these feel-good fitness sessions!
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.