Angela Cheng says she achieved results with the Hale Method that she hasn’t been able to achieve elsewhere. Photo: Hale Gym.
Manuka resident Angela Cheng has been to her fair share of gyms, and only recently confirmed what she already knew: not all fitness programs are created equal.
Angela wandered into Hale Gym last year to join and take advantage of an impressive timetable of diverse fitness classes from strengths to pilates – but something called the “Hale Method” piqued her interest.
“I’ve been to many classes in my time but I had never done anything like that before,” she said.
“I was a little apprehensive – I thought I might be intimidated by a bunch of very fit people. I didn’t really know what to expect to be honest, and of course, there’s the usual scary stuff around joining a new gym and not knowing anyone. But I seemed to have reached my fitness threshold and I wasn’t getting the results I wanted, so I knew I needed to try something different.”
A year later, she has completed it twice over and is gearing up for round three.
The Hale Method is a health and wellbeing program that runs in six or 12-week increments.
Over that period, members are provided comprehensive meal plans including recipes and shopping lists, four 60-minute weekly method training sessions, full access to Hale Gym including all its classes and full access to Hale Spa saunas, steam rooms and cave-plunge pool.
Participants also get two InBody scans at the commencement and completion of the program – tangible evidence of their results.
But Angela says the success of the method comes down to more than the inclusions – it’s a culture created within the program.
“One of the requirements is you have to show up four times a week. Not that you have to go to the gym every day – just show up. But what happens is the enthusiasm of the trainers takes over,” she said.
“You can just show up and do what you’re told to do and expect results. But it’s more than that – the trainers are all very experienced and you don’t get the feeling they’re just there to pay the bills.
“Every single one of them knows you by name and cares about your fitness journey. They make a big difference in motivating and guiding people through the method because they genuinely love their job and are passionate about the work they do.”
The Hale Method tackles exercise, diet and overall wellness. Photo: Hale Gym.
Angela says the benefit of connection to wellness cannot be overstated.
“Quite a few of the workouts are partner workouts, but participants generally don’t come with a friend, so you end up getting to know lots of different people you wouldn’t normally connect with,” she said.
“I’ve developed great relationships with others who have continued the program, and it becomes a sense of shared commitment to fitness goals and that in itself is very motivating.
“Hale does a lot to foster that, too … Because Hale is part of the Doma Group, each year the gym is able to host an amazing Christmas party to celebrate the achievements of its members. I have never been to a gym that does that. I think it speaks volumes.”
Angela says good habits have now developed into lifelong lifestyle choices. Photo: Hale Gym.
The luxury of the facilities – both gym and spa – combined with the rush of endorphins from exercise and the sense of achievement and belonging, make Hale a place where members want to be, according to Angela.
She says members who make connections often arrange to meet at the sauna or the gym for workouts.
“It doesn’t give you the feeling it’s too fancy or pretentious, it’s just very inviting, and makes you feel well and focused on your health,” she said.
“It’s such a positive outlet for physical and mental health.”
Angela credits the method with helping her reach the wellness “sweet spot”, where habits have developed into lifelong lifestyle choices.
This includes, importantly, her handle on food.
“The meal plans really helped me connect the dots when it came to understanding nutrition. The menu is designed to demonstrate what your fat, carbohydrate and protein requirements are and how that can be incorporated into your life in a way that’s accessible,” she said.
“I followed the Hale Method to the tee – from the meal plans to the exercise – and I achieved phenomenal fitness results that I have never achieved before.
“Going to this gym has transformed the way I think about fitness and wellness. It was meant to be just six weeks, then 12 weeks. I might just keep doing it forever.”
The next round of the Hale Method commences on Monday 15 January 2024 and costs $99 per week.
The gym is also holding its two-week Summer HIIT from 2 January 2024, which includes three 60-minute HIIT sessions per week, full access to Hale Gym during gym opening hours and access to Hale Spa saunas, steam rooms and cave‑plunge pool for $120 per week.
For more information, visit Hale Health.
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