The culture of caring

There’s something special about walking into the Angaston and Nuriootpa Anytime Fitness clubs that can’t quite be put into words.

It’s a feeling.

“I’ve had people who are not even from here, walk in and say, what is it about this club? They feel it when they come in,” says owner, Kerrie-anne Wager.

“It’s our care factor. We remember people’s names, and we take the time to have a chat and find out about them.”

Kerrie-anne and her husband, Rick opened Anytime Fitness in Angaston over five years ago, with Nuriootpa following two years later.

Both gyms consistently rank in the top echelons of Anytime Fitness clubs nationally, and are the best in South Australia.

Kerrie-anne puts their success down to the fact their priority has never been profit, rather creating a happy, inclusive environment for members that encourages them to better their lives.

“Coming to the gym is not just about working out, it’s about finding your groove and having the gym as a daily habit. You want people to genuinely find their healthy place,” says Kerrie-anne.

“Just to come and walk on the treadmill and do a little bit of strength training can do things for your brain and your wellbeing that you can’t even put a dollar figure on.”

The positive culture of their clubs has allowed the Wagers to share in the personal fitness and wellbeing journeys of so many of their members.

“It kind of makes you a bit teary sometimes,” says Kerrie-anne.

“You see it all the time when you watch people go from depressed and not coping to feeling like they have it together, and we feel like we’re a part of that.”

This year, COVID-19 has forced many people to reassess their health and wellbeing, and take stock of their mental health.

Kerrie-anne believes the gym can be a place not only for building fitness, but for building relationships and mental strength to help cope with everyday life.

“We aren’t just a gym. We never wanted to be just a gym. We want you to feel like you’re part of the gym family,” says Kerrie-anne.

“People say shop local, I feel like that’s us. When you support us, you are supporting the health of the community as well.”