Life in the bay isn’t all about sunbathing on beautiful beaches and sipping on cocktails in effortlessly cool bars. An active lifestyle is a big part of life for both visitors and residents. Well, how could it not be when you look at the plethora of enjoyable ways and places to get yourself moving? We’ve assembled, what we think are some of the best dopamine-inducing, body-grooving workouts, for you to discover your sweat style in the bay! Naturally, we must start with what nature has gifted us. With a stunning coastline and a community built literally upon national parklands, the region is full of opportunities to get the endorphins flowing whilst exploring the great outdoors.
The Cape Byron Lighthouse Track
If you aren’t already familiar with the colloquially known Lighty, then you may not have known that along this stunning coastal track you pass the most easterly point in Australia. Snap a photo for the memory bank and then put your phone away and take in the unbelievable sights. Turquoise blue, frothy white waves, turtles popping up for air, pods of dolphins playing, and wallabies grazing the bush. You could even be fortunate enough to see a migrating humpback whale breaching close to shore between May and September. Your starting point can be anywhere from Clarkes beach to the corner of Wategos beach where the final incline takes you up and around the headland. The pinnacle of course is reaching the glorious lighthouse to take in the panoramic views. Dawdle along and stop at viewpoints, power walk at sunrise or if your knees are cut out for it, run the entire loop!
Rocky Creek Dam
At Byron Bay Property Sales, we’re dog lovers, and what could be more fun than exercising with your canine pal? Rocky Creek Dam welcomes all with wheelchair accessible trail and an adventure playground for the kids (or adults... who says being playful is just for children?). The varying distances of walks will suit whatever your energy level is on the day. Take a leisurely stroll to hit your daily step count on the platypus walk, and maybe sight an adorable duck-billed friend. Or pack the trail mix (the one with the choc chips... obviously) and try the 6km Scrub Turkey trail, following rainforest and streams, finishing off with a walk across the dam wall. With so much wildlife in the area, it’s amazing to have an alternative to the beach for walking the pooch. A rare find and great place to keep you and the dog amused!
Surfing
Home to some of the most iconic surf breaks in Australia, share the line-up with the pioneers of surfing (the local pods of dolphins) as you catch a wave in the bay! Great for your cardiovascular health, and arguably the most satisfying way to keep fit as swell… (see what we did there?) From first-time kooks to world-class professionals, there is a wave for everyone to play on with renowned consistency from the Pass, Wategos, and Clarkes. Build upper body strength on the paddle out and work on your balance as you ride the wave in, reaping the therapeutic benefits all day long. A recent study conducted in Southern California showed that regardless of your experience or ability, a 30min bout of surfing indicated an increase in the feeling of tranquillity and had an overall positive effect on participants. It also showed a reduction in fatigue for those who frequently surfed. And regular cardio, such as surfing has been known to improve the quality of sleep too! So, if you are looking to cultivate mindfulness and exercise without feeling like you are exercising, perhaps surfing is your sweat style.
Swimming
If your love for the ocean doesn’t involve fiberglass and Sex Wax then grab your bathers and rubber cap and join the hardy Byron Bay Ocean Swimmers on their daily morning dip across the bay. Meeting at the Surf Life-Saving Club, these gnarly folk walk to the pass and swim an impressive 1.5km back to the main beach. Exposure to cold water whilst moving can be used to safely stress the body to improve attention, mood, and cognitive focus, boost metabolism and reduce inflammation according to Ph.D. neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. Brrr… The bay can drop to a frosty 19°C in the heart of winter so this activity is ideal for those tenacious enough to endure the chill! There’s no pressure to go the whole way, jump out at any time and still feel a sense of accomplishment! If you need more motivation to take the plunge, why not channel your endeavours into training for the annual Byron Bay Winter Whales Ocean Swim Classic? The bonus… The membership fee for nature’s gymnasium is an affordable $0.00. With free weekly access, all mother earth requests in return is to be mindful of the wildlife and leave the “equipment” as you found it. Pretty good deal if you ask us!
Talking of mindfulness…Unwind, relax, stretch, and walk away as light as a feather from some of the bay’s other beautiful workout locations.
Bende
Home to Barre Body, a unique fusion of yoga and barre, Bende is a mindful movement studio with an abundance of classes including yoga, barre, pilates and reformer. Stretch, sweat or Zen out in Savasana, improving your wellness through classes created with holistic intention. It’s more than a studio, it’s a community of attentive and fun teachers and like-minded members. Set in the Habitat of the industrial arts district, the multiple studio spaces of this venue are fresh and contemporary. Whilst you can’t beat nature’s perfect backdrop for a workout selfie… Bende gives the national parks a run for their money. Especially with their new yoga space. With high ceilings, brimming with natural light, elegant touches like beautiful crystals, and sensual essential oils scenting the air, this studio will have you wanting to Nama-STAY!
Creature yoga
Soley focused on thousands of years of tradition, Creature is not merely a studio of yoga, it’s a school of yoga. A place to improve your practice, learn to teach, and experience years of wisdom. Both beginner and advanced yogis feel embraced by the diverse offering of classes gifted by the luminous and astute teachers. Benefit from Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha and ‘Chill flow’ classes. Feel uplifted or calm with prāṇāyāma, mantras and meditations. And feel supported with props, modifications, and the knowledge of seasoned teachers. Though, don’t be fooled into thinking that yoga won’t get you sweaty. A strong flow is sure to get your blood pumping. Perfect for those looking for low impact with high reward.
From one extreme to the other… Perhaps the supple studios aren’t up your alley and when it comes to working out you need more fire!
Jab boxing
If you want to break your fitness boundaries, fast-track your results, and love or want to love boxing, Jordi’s Academy of Boxing is the place for you.
This exclusive personal training service is owned and operated by head boxing coach Jordi Van Nobelen; an accomplished professional athlete with over 10 years of experience teaching, training, and competing in events around the world. Jordi caters to your needs, whether you are looking to work one-on-one or in a group. Although, his classes are primarily boxing based, he incorporates a variety of exercises into his sessions for a dynamic, all-encompassing approach. If you are familiar with the boxing scene, you’ll recognise as we name drop; Jason Moloney and Bruno Tarimo; two of many worlds class boxers Jordi has worked with. As Jordi says, ‘Iron really does sharpen iron’ and his involvement in current boxing championships gives him an edge on any other trainer in the region. Reach your full potential by pushing yourself to the limit, learn, focus and ultimately have fun as Jordi guides you through an elite, personally curated, training session.
Join the cult… the good kind of course! Byron bay host’s a few signature brands in the exercise industry internationally known for their tough sessions, addictive nature and collaborative cultures.
Body Fit Training Byron
Quite the contrary to the ‘slow down and chill out’ ethos depicted on the sign entering Byron, Body Fit Training cranks the heat with their custom-created workouts. Anticipate heavy weights, intense cardio, speedy circuits, and innovative heart rate monitoring aimed at maximising results. Not to mention the heap of fun you’ll have with friends and fellow members motivating and cheering you on. Alleviating boredom, no two sessions at BFT are the same. Differing week to week, the daily class will focus on either strength, cardio, function, or core.
Renowned for its first-class, high-performance group training method, dedicated coaches, and motivating community, BFT Byron provides a premium service that guarantees sweat, results, and endorphins.
F45
Our time is precious and spending hours at the gym is just not for everyone (unless the gym has a sauna...] Short, snappy, and designed to provide a functional full-body workout, squeeze a cheeky F45 session into your lunch break, and enjoy feeling energized and strong for the rest of your day. Modify to suit your fitness level but expect to have your backside kicked as each 45-minute workout aims to burn 750 calories a hit! Could you get more time-efficient than that? Finding time to work out can be tricky therefore F45 offers residents a Free 7-day trial! See for yourself just how easy it can be to change your fitness habits and incorporate exercise into your weekly schedule! The addictive nature and team mentality will transform your lifestyle physically and mentally as the centre encourages community growth and a non-ego attitude. Plus, being located just down the road from the North Byron Hotel, this gym is the perfect place to get your workout done and then enjoy a well-deserved drink with your new F45 comrades. Post work out stone and wood anyone??
The wild card. This last activity in our Byron Sweat-style line-up goes to show there really is something for everybody in the bay.
Star Pole Studio
A little bit alternative, and a big bit empowering, build core strength, improve flexibility, and embrace your feminine side (whatever your gender) at Star Pole Studio. Dance is a great way to release blocked energy and boost your well-being whilst getting a full-body workout. This studio offers several classes from beginner to advanced pole, stretch sessions and hula hoop, to booty shaking dance fitness classes. Surprise yourself with your own capabilities as the professional dance teacher guide you through step-by-step lessons. Just a few classes in and you could be holding yourself upside down on a pole with just your thighs… If that’s not a party trick, then what is? The private studio allows you to let loose and explore the power of dance, so you truly can dance like nobody is watching. Have fun, keep fit and feel sexy!
Putting the style in sweat style… Now, it’s all very well finding activities to keep fit in Byron… but if we are going to be red-faced and sweaty, we want to be wearing something stylish.
You know… for ‘The gram’. Lucky for you, home to two Byron-born brands designed with fashion and fitness in mind, this town is a one-stop shop for all your sweat-style endeavours.
Arcaa
Take motion in some of Arcaa’s ‘Movement’ range designed to be multi-functional and timeless. These premium wardrobe essentials are made with certified organic cotton and responsible practices. So don’t just feel good about working out, feel good about contributing to a more sustainable fashion future.
Nagnata
Blurring the lines between studio and streetwear, you’ll know a Nagnata piece when you see it. Contemporary and colourful, Nagnata isn’t just aesthetic, it’s sustainable, inclusive, and innovative. The use of natural and renewable fibres honour both the body and the planet. Merging fashion with fair trade, the business model supports community-focused initiatives and humanitarian work, not often associated with fashion brands.With collections for he, she, they, or them, this all-embracing brand is another one to feel good and look great in as you get your sweat on!
Written by Kerry Mullany
