Five of the best beachside exercise groups

Forget the gym and take your workout to the beach. With the ocean just metres away, beachside exercise offers a refreshing way to stay active while enjoying the coastline.

From group fitness classes to Zumba sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to get moving outdoors.

Here are five of the best places to exercise by the beach:

Body Balance

Where: Austinmer Beach

When: Monday - Friday (timetable on Facebook)

Body Balance Personalised Fitness has been in operation for more than 10 years and offers outdoor group fitness classes at the beach. 

Qualified trainers teach classes covering cardio, boxing, strength, yoga and more. Each class is tailored to suit you at whatever stage of life you are in.

Trainer Karen Yarrow said classes bring the community together and provide support for people of all ages and fitness goals.

“We feel we have not only helped our community with their fitness levels but we have created a place where people meet and feel supported no matter their goals,” she said.

“We run classes for all ages, with our eldest client being over 80 and we throw in whales, dolphins and sunrises as a bonus.”

For more information: Visit Body Balance on Facebook

Soul Bay Strength Training 

Where: Thirroul Beach Reserve 

When:  6am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 7:45am on Sundays

Soul Bay Strength Training offers outdoor group classes to locals who want to participate in strength and conditioning sessions. 

The classes are designed to be accessible to everyday people, regardless of their experience or fitness level, while providing the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and coastal surroundings of Thirroul Beach.

Co-Founder and director Kev Lokhande said outdoor training provides benefits beyond physical fitness.

“We’ve built a fantastic local community down here and there’s honestly no better place to train than by the beach,” Kev said.

“For me, the biggest benefit of outdoor training is that it goes well beyond just the physical side of exercise. You’re getting stronger and fitter while being outdoors, starting your day in a great environment and training alongside a supportive group of people.

“It has a really positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing, and the community and social connection we’ve built through the sessions is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

For more information: Visit Soul Bay Strength Training on Instagram and Facebook

Flow State Movement

Where: Woonona Surf Club

When: Tuesdays 9:15am and 6pm, Wednesdays 9:15am, Thursdays 6pm, Fridays 8:15am and 9:15am

Flow State Movement is a welcoming space for women to move their bodies, calm their minds and connect with others right next to the beach.

From fun and easy-to-follow dance classes featuring pop music to mindful barre and mat Pilates sessions, each class focuses on finding joy without the pressure of a traditional workout.

Owner Lisa Hagan said she hopes her business, which she has been running for two years, helps women connect while improving their health.

“Flow State Movement is a business straight from my heart. It incorporates all my favourite things,” she said.

“My classes are a place to connect with other like-minded women, take some time for yourself and improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing.”

For more information: Visit Flow State Movement on Instagram or here

Chodat Fitness

Where: South Beach Wollongong 

When: Monday - Saturday (timetable on website)

Chodat Fitness offers outdoor group fitness classes that are coached, scalable and designed to keep you consistent. 

There are boxing, lift, stretch, strength, circuit and run classes that welcome people of all ages, shapes, sizes, ability and motivation.

With varied weekly sessions at South Beach and wet-weather venue options, it’s a motivating way to build confidence year-round.

Director Lukas Chodat said the beachside classes brought great benefit to all people physically and mentally.

“Our group outdoor classes are great for both clients' mental and physical wellbeing,” he said.

“They are designed to help people of all ages and abilities to achieve their health and fitness goals.”

For more information: Visit Chodat Fitness on Facebook or here

Fit for Change

Where: Thirroul Beach Reserve

When: Monday - Saturday (timetable on website)

Fit for Change is a personal training program that offers group fitness classes, including mat Pilates, strength, conditioning and functional training.

​Designed for all fitness levels and abilities, the classes provide a supportive and motivating environment for both women and men looking to stay active and connect with others.

With sessions held outdoors near the coastline, Fit For Change offers an alternative to the traditional gym experience, combining exercise with fresh air and scenic surroundings.

Whether you are new to fitness or looking to challenge yourself, there is a class to suit your goals.

For more information: Visit Fit For Change on Facebook or here