March 20, 2025
Shop stories: Explore BFT in Elsternwick Village
Nestled in the heart of Elsternwick Village, BFT Elsternwick stands as a beacon for fitness enthusiasts seeking a transformative workout experience.
This high-performance group training gym combines science-backed programs with a vibrant community atmosphere, ensuring members not only achieve their fitness goals but also feel a sense of belonging.
Managing owner Jake Holness opened the gym in January 2021, and is passionate about helping his members to not only reach their fitness goals but also embrace the community spirit the gym has become renowned for.
High-performance group training
At BFT Elsternwick, the approach to fitness is both dynamic and methodical.
Members can choose from a diverse array of 50-minute programs, each meticulously designed to target different aspects of fitness. Whether it’s cardio, strength, functional training, or core stability, every session is unique, ensuring that monotony is never part of the equation. This variety keeps members engaged and continually challenges their bodies in new ways.
“It’s highly personalised group fitness training with a range of different focuses such as strength and cardio. BFT is more about the functional side of fitness than your regular big-box gym,” Mr Holness said.
“In our studio it’s all free weights. There’s a lot of dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells and it’s more applicable to everyday life – lifting things, carrying things and getting you strong for your day-to-day life.
“If you want to feel fitter and stronger in your own body… that’s what we’re training towards rather than someone who might go to the gym to get big and bulky – that’s not the focus here. You will get toned and you will get fit and strong, but it’s more functional and holistic.”
Central to the BFT experience are the dedicated and highly trained coaches. These professionals are more than just instructors; they are mentors committed to motivating, educating, and inspiring members. Their personalised guidance ensures that individuals at every fitness level receive the support they need to push beyond their limits and achieve their personal bests.
Progression-based programs
Consistency and structure are pillars of the BFT methodology.
Unlike traditional gyms where routines can be haphazard, BFT Elsternwick implements a progression-based programming system. This means that every studio follows the same workout each day, creating a unified experience for all members.
Such structured programming is designed to deliver consistent results, allowing members to track their progress systematically and witness tangible improvements over time.
“We follow an eight-week training program… and we have about five different progressed versions of that workout that we slowly work towards over an eight-week period. For instance, on week one of the training block, the cardio session might feel a little bit easier than say week three, week four or week five, because we’re slowly progressing the cardio. You might be working for longer periods of time, resting for a little bit less as we progress the workouts,” Mr Holness said.
This cohesive approach not only fosters a sense of community but also ensures that all members, regardless of when they join, are on a synchronised fitness journey. The emphasis on progression means that workouts are scalable, catering to both beginners and seasoned athletes, and ensures that everyone progresses safely and effectively.
A focus on community
Beyond the physical workouts, BFT Elsternwick prides itself on cultivating a supportive and inclusive community.
The studio is filled with motivating and encouraging members, creating an environment where individuals uplift one another. This camaraderie transforms the gym from a mere workout space into a hub of collective growth and positivity.
“We’re on first-name basis with every single member here. For instance, in each group I’ll know what they can and can’t do in the session, I’ll know how to push them, I’ll know what they like to do or what they don’t like to do, what their bodies need adjusting for,” Mr Holness said.
“It’s a family-friendly vibe in here. The group sessions that we run means you’re always working out with one or two other people throughout your workout. So you’re not coming in here and working out by yourself and not talking to anyone. The workouts are basically partnered workouts. We always say you’re coming here to work out with other people.
“We really pride ourselves on coming here to work out with friends, or come in to work out with a buddy and keep each other accountable.”
Situated within the bustling Elsternwick Village shopping precinct, BFT Elsternwick maintains a strong connection to the local community. This prime location not only makes it accessible for residents but also allows the studio to engage with and contribute to the vibrancy of the surrounding area.
The hyper-local focus ensures that members feel a deeper connection, not just to the gym but to the broader Elsternwick community.
More than a gym
BFT Elsternwick is more than just a gym; it’s a transformative fitness experience rooted in science, structure, and community.
With its diverse and dynamic programs, progression-based approach, and unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive environment, BFT Elsternwick empowers individuals to embark on a fitness journey that is both effective and enriching.
For those in the Elsternwick Village area seeking a holistic approach to health and wellness, BFT Elsternwick offers the perfect blend of expert guidance, innovative training, and a community that feels like family.
