Suncoast Fitness celebrates 30 years

Suncoast Fitness has become a pillar of strength and wellness on the Sunshine Coast in an era where fitness trends come and go. This year the iconic Sunshine Coast brand celebrates 30 years, a milestone that reflects three decades of commitment to promoting health and wellbeing. Since establishing in Alex Headland in 1994 with their first fitness centre, the family business has expanded into fitness education and fitness support services for people with disabilities. 30 years later and the humble fitness centre has grown into a vibrant community of wellbeing professionals dedicated to improving the health of the Sunshine Coast.  

Suncoast Fitness opened its doors at 24 Wirraway Street as the vision for a premier fitness facility took shape. The Stitt family strategised to offer the region a revolutionary metropolitan fitness experience that would set the new standard for future fitness centres. It was important for the family that a culture was embedded into the centre that fostered a welcoming community built on health and fitness. This community has retained valued members such as Graham ‘Goob’ Doberer who joined the centre in its presale before doors opened. Now 30 years on and Suncoast Fitness has established centres and communities in Maroochydore, Pelican Waters, Caloundra and Kawana.

Director/CEO Matt Stitt attributes the business’s success to their community minded approach.

“Our model has consistently focused on growth through community engagement. When we first started in 1994 only 8 per cent of the population was engaged in fitness activity which we aimed to cater for. The remaining 92 per cent we targeted through community projects and healthy lifestyle education. This approach has fostered a community that’s passionate about their healthy lifestyle which has helped increase the fitness activity participation rate to 30 per cent on the Sunshine Coast.”

Suncoast Fitness centres provided the launchpad for the business to venture into other fitness pathways. FIT College became a highly successful business in its own right. The fitness educator provides high quality training to personal trainers and gym instructors ready to start a career.  Now with 24 locations across Australia, FIT College has become a highly regarded educator and trainer in the health and wellbeing space. FITCare Support Services added to the organisation’s health and wellbeing offering through supporting people with disabilities. The services provided by FitCare ensures that people with disabilities can live happy and healthy lives.

“In the early days we made business plans spanning 3, 12 and 24 months, but the industry has since become characterised by high competition and uncertain economic challenges. This means that our planning is condensed to no more than six months at a time so we can be agile and pivot quickly when needed.”

For 30 years Suncoast Fitness has been the centre of a community that strives to improve the health and wellbeing of the Sunshine Coast. As well as providing facilities and services, the business has contributed over $1,000,000 to local health projects through sponsorship, fundraisers and other initiatives. The business has strategically planned for its success over the past three decades and will continue to do so into the future to ensure that the Sunshine Coast thrives in a happy and healthy environment.

“Investment in educating and cultivating our exceptional team has been a key factor to our success. On top of that, prioritising community integrity, inclusivity and just making sure that everyone feels welcome has fostered a lasting and trusting community that’s supported Suncoast Fitness over 30 years.”

Visit Level Up Your Business to find programs, resources and tools that can help you strategically plan in your business. This platform collates all valuable support from all levels of government, industry and education into one centralised platform.