Feeling a little ho-hum over your usual sweat sesh rotation? Or maybe your rickety rig has been feeling less like a temple and more like a ‘fixer upper’ of late?

Whether you revel in any reason to get the ole’ bod moving, or the thought of exercise bores you to your very core – having some exciting new options to throw in your trusty repertoire can never be a bad thing. So without further ado, here are 10 unique exercise experiences on the GC to try your hand at. Because, y’know, variety is the spice of life, and all that.

Retro Fit
Sweatbands, sweaty bods and lairy leg warmers as far as the eye can see – no, you have not stepped back to a simpler time when Aerobics Oz Style dominated our pre-dawn tele viewing (#NostalgiaAlert). We are, in actual fact, referring to Retro Fit, an assortment of 80’s themed aerobics sessions where you get to strut your stuff to all your favourite bygone bangers… so basically, the most fun one can have while working out. Held at The Junction in Burleigh Heads, there’s different types of sessions going down several times a week, so there’s really no excuse not to get down and… get physical [gyrating intensifies].
Where: 14 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads

Lights Out and Dance
For the rhythmically challenged among us; if the chance get your groove on under the cover of pitch black darkness sounds a dream, get on down to Lights Out and Dance and ‘dance like nobody’s watching’ (literally). Get those endorphins flowing while you lose yourself to some sweet dance beats in what is basically the most unintimidating group setting you can get. The intuitive-style sessions are held in a dark room so you can work up a sweat shaking what your mama gave you without a care in the world; and have stacks of fun in the process. Post-workout glow, incoming!
Where: Broadbeach Cultural Centre, Hooker Blvd &, Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach Waters and Runaway Bay Youth Centre, 379 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay

Puppy Yoga
No, we haven’t gone barking mad – Puppy Yoga is very much a thing… and yes, it’s exactly as amazing as it sounds. Picture down-dogging ’til hearts content, whilst being overrun by a sea of cute puppies! Hosted by the mindful fun and animal snuggle purveyors at Karmably, there’s various, oxytocin-boosting pop up dates held at Flow St8 throughout the year. Plus, we get to feel extra good knowing we’re helping socialise the pint-sized participants while we get our sweat on! Yep… it’s paw-ficial the perfect workout really does exist.
Where: Flow St8, 10 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach

Run Clubs
If your typical cardio rotation consists only of running away from your problems and jumping to conclusions, the various iterations of social run clubs that call the GC home will make a runner out of you yet. If you’re looking for a supportive environment where you can slide on in at snails pace without so much as a second glance, Parkrun is a perennial fave. With community events held weekly from Coomera through to Kirra, participants are welcome to walk, jog, run, or simply spectate. Or for a little extra incentive; we’d recommend checking out clubs that strategically plan their routes around our fine assortment of local watering holes, such as Unfit Run Club and Good Good Running.
Where: Assorted clubs/locations across the Gold Coast

Aerial yoga
If you’ve seen one tree pose, you’ve seen them all, right? Well, not necessarily… If you’re looking to shake up your usual stretch-and-breath sesh, Aerial yoga is where its at! Experience yoga from a whole new perspective, with an invigorating workout that involves performing poses gracefully suspended from a mix of hammock, silk and ring style contraptions. And the best part? You don’t even need to be a card-carrying yogi to get in on the fun! A variety of beginners classes mean people of all ages and abilities can learn the moves ‘on the fly’. Go on, why not give it a whirl!?
Where: Hapy Studio, 9/5 Traders Way, Currumbin

Therapy Fitness
When it comes to changing up the same ol’ workout grind, spin is hardly a revolutionary (geddit, heh) concept – but hear us out, because what we’re proposing is anything but your typical cycle class. At Therapy, Mermaid’s multi sensory fitness studio, the immersive ‘therapy’ sessions are all about boosting mental as well as physical wellbeing… and who doesn’t love a to-do list two-fer?! Combining music and movement, each of the fully integrated studio spaces have been optimised to get both the mind and the bod feeling fab. You’ll be glowing from the inside out in no time.
Where: Cnr Markeri St &, Southport Burleigh Rd Q Super Centre, Shop D2/D3, Mermaid Waters

Pound Fitness
Alright so remove any expectations you might have about what this entails and get excited for an extra fun time… because this workout ROCKS. Get ready to bliss out with ‘ya sticks out – fluro green drumsticks – that is, with the exhilarating full-body cardio jam session known simply as Pound. A rockstar-worthy workout that combines sweet beats with pilates inspired strength training and the sweat-dripping fun of drumming. What a time. Now this is the kind of exercise we could really ‘drum up’ some enthusiasm for! *ba dum tiss*.
Where: Various locations across the GC

Pole dancing
Does the thought of yet another yoga or pilates sesh low-key have you yawning? Why not step it up a notch and have a pole lot of fun challenging and contorting your core in ways you never even knew possible! Even if you’re not typically the flexy type; the pros behind some of our local studios promise there’s no previous experience or even coordination pre-requisites to give it a go! So really, we’ve got nothing to lose, and a whole lot of flexibility, and strength to gain. Sounds pretty badass to us.
Where: GCPOLEFIT, 87 Griffith St, Coolangatta and Rokh Fit Studio, Unit 2/19 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads

Cold Nips
What the heck is Cold Nips you ask? Well, basically, it’s a club dedicated to the art of starting your day with a nippy sunrise dip, that’s what. Promoting wellbeing and positive mental health, the national wellness initiative is all about finding joy and discomfort while connecting with like-minded peeps in nature, and how can you argue with a mood-boosting ritual like that? And to ensure they’re always keeping things fresh, each week’s mystery beach location is only revealed the Sunday night before.
Where: Locations vary weekly, check socials for deets.

NBHD HOT
If you’re in the mood to be challenged by more of a slow burn style workout – never fear GC, we gotchu… or at least, the Coast’s first infrared hot room does. Do not let the low impact movements and stretch-based routines deceive you – with German made infrared heating panels designed to heat your body from the inside out, a NBHD (or neighbourhood training) sesh will have you sculpting, strengthening and sweating like never before.
Where: 2582 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Words by Kellie Leader.

Hold onto your fedoras Gold Coast, because FARINA & Co. has landed! This ultimate triple threat of a venue – a bakery, café, AND pasta bar opened its doors last week and it’s already the toast of the town. Bringing a whole lotta European flair to the Alcove retail community in Southport – which FYI, is described as “the pick for customers who value the boutique over the en-masse” – FARINA is right at home.

Translating to ‘flour’ in Italian, of course it does because we all know that flour and Europeans go together like, well, flour and Europeans. Walking into FARINA & Co. feels like stepping into a chic European bistro. Long tables beckon you to gather your amici for that quintessential Euro dining experience, while smaller tables are perfect for those intimate occasions when you’re looking for a cozy coffee or a romantic pasta date to woo. And woo you shall.

Greeted with a light but inviting atmosphere that’s as welcoming as Nonna’s hug, but with a modern and very now twist, doughn’t delay – just go. Think elegance meets contemporary chic with sophisticated marble benchtops, jaw-dropping chandeliers, and oh-so-mod pendant lights which we need in our abode. Like now.

Given FARINA & Co is the brainchild of Sofia’s and Luna’s owner Henry Hunt we would expect nothing less. The warm and inviting floorboards paired with Euro-chic tiling create the perfect backdrop for your Insta snaps, and let’s take a moment to appreciate the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs ‘chef’ before your very eyes.

Speaking of, FARINA & Co.’s pastry chef is up at sparrow’s baking phenomenal handmade pastries and goodies daily and whilst this totally scratches an itch, we’re equally here for the pasta. Handcrafted with love, you can even pick up a little somethin’ somethin’ to impress your dinner guests #ssssh.

Alright, let’s eat. We’re starting with the treats cabinet which is overflowing with mouthwatering munchies. Our pick is Farina’s Choc Chip Cookie, their signature buttery bite, with double chocolate chip and walnuts. Served warm, it’s equal parts gooey and crunchy.

For an AM ambrosia to start your day right, we recommend the Pumpkin Frittata with roasted butternut pumpkin, caramelised shallots, eggs, goats cheese, and sage. Pair it with your coffee of choice made with Allpress A.R.T roast, the Cavalli of caffeine, which will forever taint the way you look at your humble home pod machine

We also rate the Rose Pink Latte which we suggest you order on a Wednesday coz #OnWednesdaysWeDrinkPink, and if you’re there after 10am, why not trade your flat white for a fizzy white (champagne), glass of wine, or a cocktail (Editor’s note: try the Classic Negroni).

If you’re passionate about pasta, you’re spoilt for choice here, but our vote goes to the Winter Greens Pesto with house-made casarecce cavolonero and almond pesto, stracciatella and black lava salt, or the Morton Bay Bug Linguine with house-made fettucine, pan-kissed tomatoes, garlic, white wine, Morton Bay bug and cerval.

Focaccia fans, look no further than the Mortadella, toasted with stracciatella, pistachio mortadella, green olives, mustard and honey dressing, served with a side of rocket salad. And coz you can, grab a side of Shoestring Fries tossed in oregano and salt. Bellissima!

So, whether you’re craving a cappuccino, a croissant, or a carb-fest in the form of an authentic pasta, FARINA & Co. is your dough-to destination.

When: 6am – 3pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed Monday & Tuesday
Where: 15 Pinter Street, Southport

Words by Bianca Trathen

Whether you’re partial to the odd stretch-induced sweat sesh, or you’re a daily mind-body devotee, finding a perfect yoga studio that ticks all the boxes is like striking gold. We mean, is a spacious yet cosy, modern but not clinical space with a great vibe aaaand *dramatic inhale* a convenient location really so much to ask?!

Which is why, if you’ve noticed yoga circuit stalwart, Floating Lotus Studio MIA in recent weeks, we’re happy to report we can all breathe an (ocean breath sized) sigh of relief. Join us in breaking out the Sun Salutations as the fan-fave blossoms into its elevated new era as Flolo Studio… aand, exhale.

Widely considered one of the best by the Gold Coast’s bendiest, Floating Lotus Studio has gone from strength to strength in recent years. After helping Gold Coasters achieve Asana, feel energised and move like we never left our 20’s for some seven years now, owners Nalini and Jason Tebbey felt it was time to embark on a total transformation to better reflect the evolution of their brand’s bespoke wellness offering.

Now sporting a slick new moniker to go with the top notch yoga and pilates experience we know and love, Flolo Studio encapsulates their vision for a modern, accessible, and memorable wellness space. Plus, it’s just downright fun to say.

Proudly boasting a broad variety of membership options, class styles and teachers, local down-dog disciples can get everything from their flow yoga to barre fix out of two lush locations in Helensvale and Robina. Originally taking the reins of the OG Helensvale studio back in 2017, Nalini and Jason focused their efforts into transforming the flagging space into a thriving community; later moving to a larger location at Homeworld Helensvale to keep up with demand.

Bolstering their offering with a yoga-retreat vibing second location in Robina early last year, the dreamy new addition has been going great ‘guns’ since (see what we did there… flexes arm Arnie style). Both promise a boutique studio experience that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The two spaces provide a sense of yin yang, balancing a light and airy Helensvale vibe with a soothing, moody ambience in Robina. And hot tip, flexibility fiends, you can even go between the two depending on your mood with any of the memberships or passes on offer.

For Nalini and Jason, living and (literally) breathing this yoga business is their passion. At its core Flolo is about “making movement as accessible as possible to as many people as possible” and having fun in the process, adding “our studios have a strong community focus, it is an absolute joy to see the connections that our members make in studio, to themselves, and to each other”. Om, anyone else feel those FOMO levels suddenly skyrocketing?

There’s clearly something pretty special in the water here, folks.

As a special treat just for Inside Gold Coast readers, Flolo Studio has hooked us up with an exclusive special so we can experience that difference for ourselves. Click here for 7 days of unlimited classes! Ahh, just the nudge we needed.

Let the good times flow.

Where: 2/217-219 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina and Shop 69/502 Hope Island Rd, Helensvale.
When: Open daily (hours vary, check website for info)
Website: www.flolo.studio
Instagram: @flolo.studio

Words by Kellie Leader.

STORY SPONSORED BY FLOLO STUDIO