The brainchild behind Australia’s first kids’ gym Gecko Sports, Sam has just launched a new Melbourne-based training facility and early next year a fitness app that aims for results in just 28 days. Here he gives The Carousel readers an exclusive insight to what makes him tick and how his fitness programs are changing lives.
Where does your strong work ethic originate from?
I grew up as the eldest of three kids with my sister, Hannah, and brother, Alex, in Hobart. My dad, Andrew, didn’t believe in giving us pocket money. He believed you needed to understand the value of a dollar, and that even if you’re earning less than $10 an hour, it still requires elbow grease. So, when I was 13, I started scrubbing dishes in the kitchen of a pub owned by one of Dad’s friends on a Friday or Saturday night. The guy I worked for in the kitchen was an incredibly insightful, intelligent bloke who was a good role model, along with my dad and family. Then when I was 15, my mum, Wendy, died of cancer which was a hard time. However I continued working at the pub until I left high school. I’ve always liked that sense of independence that working gives you. Dad owned a catering business and cafes, and never really worked for anyone else.
Where does your love of sport and fitness stem from?
As a kid I was always sports mad. I played cricket, basketball, hockey, tennis – you name it. When Year 12 finished I travelled to America to coach kids in basketball, which was my first experience working with children. When I returned I started working part-time as a personal trainer whilst studying a Bachelor in Applied Science at the Australian Catholic University in Ballarat, Victoria. Then from 2001 to 2006 I worked as a trainer at Harper’s Personal Training in Brighton. A few years into it, I started working with junior athletes and kids aged eight to 16. Word soon spread throughout the schools that I worked with children and soon their mums were taking them out of school at 1pm or 2pm to train with me.
How did Gecko Sports start?
In 2007 after doing some market research I decided to open a children-focussed fitness centre in Bayside, Melbourne. I couldn’t believe that there was nothing similar world-wide. We focus on programs the combine fitness, sport, fun and socialising as well as hosting parties. After just three months we had more than 400 kids enrolled. We now have 37 franchises throughout the country which host parties and programs for over 30,000 children a week.
Why is it so important kids develop a love for healthy living early on?
Our habits for later in life are developed at an early age so we need to instil a positive association, passion and curiosity in health, movement, our bodies, food and so on.
Why do kids love working out at Gecko facilities?
It’s an unintimidating, welcoming environment where we treat the kids’ needs in a sensitive manner. We don’t mean to replace a kid’s love for sport, we’re just giving them the confidence in the first place to have a go at sport.
What inspired you to start your personal training facility The Woodshed?
When I was training kids, a lot of Mums and Dads would say to me, “I wish my gym was as fun as this one. I feel like I’m just doing the same thing day in day out and I’m bored.” So four years ago I set up The Woodshed for adults with a focus on time-poor mums who were also looking for fun and variety whilst working out.
Why do women like it so much?
For a start, there’s nothing extreme about the work-outs. You just have to make sure you’re eating right and that you’re consistent with the training. We do 45 minute sessions which are really dynamic. They get your metabolism going with core focused, interval based training that burns fat and tones muscle in a time efficient, motivating and personal environment.
How are they able to achieve such good weight loss results at The Woodshed?
I think because we set an initial target of 28 days, just four weeks. I’ve just finished working with a young mum who lost 6kg in 28 days. She needed clarity, motivation and support so we worked with her to get things in balance. I think it’s a good time frame to aim for because if you set yourself a six week or 12 week target, it’s a long way to look ahead.
What does the future hold for both Gecko Sports and The Woodshed?
We’re looking to achieve 90 franchises for Gecko Sports and want to be Australia-wide by the end of next year. As for The Woodshed, we’re looking to grow interest in the facility, and will also launch an app in February called 28 x 28 which will be an online fitness program for men and women. You’ll get a 28-minute workout everyday and personalised training program that you can do from home.
What do you get out of seeing people achieve their fitness goals?
Well because I’m a people person, I just love seeing people achieve great results in the right way. We preach “progress not perfection”, we don’t want people to aim for a body type that is unrealistic, we just want people to be happier and healthier. I’m proud of our success, it’s such a rewarding career.
What is your philosophy for success?
Try to do what you’re passionate about. I really feel fortunate to have done that. And if you surround yourself with great people that will really help.
Sam’s 10 best fitness tips
1. Every little bit counts. Don’t underestimate incidental exercise
2. Aim for 30 minutes exercise a day
3. Break up your fitness routine with short bursts
4. Be aware of portion sizes
5. Steer clear of processed foods
6. Go easy on yourself early on
7. Build muscle when you can
8. Treat yourself occasionally
9. Push yourself when you’re ready
10. If you fall off the wagon, keep going!
