23 December 2020

hiit republic is a workout like no other

| Karyn Starmer
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People working out at hiit republic.

hiit republic is changing the way Canberrans experience fitness. Photo: Supplied.

Too often underestimated and overlooked, Canberra is home to many a good business idea that has grown to compete on a national scale, and Viva Leisure’s latest addition to the fitness market is no exception.

Most Canberrans know Viva Leisure – an ASX-listed company – for its premier brand, Club Lime, but its latest offering, hiit republic, is changing the way Australians see the gym.

Gone are the sometimes intimidating rows of machines and racks of Olympic sized weights. In their place are brightly lit open spaces with strength and conditioning equipment that is ready for trainer-led group sessions or a solo workout.

And they are friendly.

The concept of hiit republic grew out of the idea of wanting to combine functional training with the growing popularity of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) but a lack of floor space in traditional gyms highlighted the need for a dedicated, open space for people to workout.

Interior of hiit republic studio.

Custom-designed hiit republic studios feature pared down open spaces for workouts. Photo: Supplied.

For the uninitiated, a HIIT session is usually a series of short bursts of exercises and intervals that combine cardio and strength training to create a well-rounded workout. Because there are hardly any pauses in a HIIT session, you can complete your workout in half the time of a regular workout.

HIIT is super effective because you get a big calorie burn, rev up your metabolism and build strength in just 45 minutes. Think of it as a complete strength and conditioning program in a time effective package.

The general manager of hiit republic, Matt Eikenhout, says the group purposefully set out to make its workout spaces less intimidating.

“We wanted to appeal to a wide range of people and create an environment that is motivating and friendly with a real sense of community,” he says.

“It was important to design the right space and provide a training environment that anyone can enjoy. We know that knowledgeable, friendly staff are key to achieving this. And it had to be affordable.”

Matt’s wishlist proved to be a winning formula. The first hiit republic opened in Tuggeranong in April 2019 and has now grown to 17 sites across ACT, NSW, Victoria and Queensland, with another seven planned to open in 2021.

Models wearing hiit republic activewear.

hiit republic has proven so popular, it has released its own range of activewear. Photo: Supplied.

“hiit republic fits within our ‘hub and spoke’ model where our network of Club Lime gyms are complemented by our boutique offerings,” says Matt. “That means we can offer members a bigger range of classes and locations. Members who attend hiit republic sessions can also choose to add in Club Lime facilities for a small upgrade in their membership.

“The beauty of hiit republic is that every class is designed to provide a full-body workout to help to improve energy levels, strength and endurance to suit all levels of fitness from beginners to fitness enthusiasts. And no workout is ever the same.

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“All of the hiit workouts are made available in the studio for up to a week after they are run so people can visit outside of scheduled class time to workout by themselves or with friends. Our studios offer a complete range of strength and conditioning equipment available to use 24 hours a day.”

hiit republic has grown to be so popular the company has now released its first apparel range: hiit republic active. The range features high-quality pieces for the gym and everyday wear.

“We understand the importance of comfort and quality when smashing out any hiit session so starting our own range was the next logical step in the story of hiit republic’s success,” says Matt.

For more information, visit hiit republic.

Interior of hiit republic studio.

The 24/7 hiit republic studios offer a complete range of strength and conditioning equipment. Photo: Supplied.

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