Kieran's December Update
Hello, my name is Kieran,
Every so often, I would like to connect directly with you to share the latest in fitness, from industry insights to our latest equipment here at Fitness Warehouse. Here’s what we’ve been up to, what’s trending, and a few personal recommendations from me.
1. Industry Insights & Trends
A quick snapshot of what’s happening in the fitness industry.
- Emerging Trends: As wellness becomes a central focus for many, it’s clear that fitness is just one part of a broader commitment to health. With this shift, we’re seeing a strong increase in demand for recovery-focused products like saunas, compression boots, and massage chairs across both home and commercial markets. Consumers and facilities alike are recognizing that investing in recovery is as important as the workout itself. This movement is changing the way people approach their routines—prioritizing recovery tools to support long-term performance and overall well-being.
- Trending Equipment: Pilates is having a major moment right now, and our new Lifespan folding Pilates trainers are leading the way. These trainers are delivering exceptional value at their $1699 price point, offering a professional-grade experience at a highly accessible cost. With their popularity soaring, we’ve seen impressive demand, and we’re prepared for the holiday season with new stock arriving soon. Just in time for Christmas.
- Facility Developments: Our commercial team has been making significant strides in the vertical market, bringing innovative fitness solutions to new spaces. A recent highlight is our installation at the Grenfell Street apartments, where we’ve designed and equipped a modern, versatile facility tailored to the unique needs of apartment living. This project exemplifies our commitment to creating accessible, high-quality fitness spaces that enhance residents' experience. You can view our design process HERE and the full installation HERE
2. Equipment Focus
- New Arrivals: We’re pushing hard to expand our range, and this month is packed with exciting new arrivals. Look out for six new products from Lifespan (cardio + Pilates), four from Water Rower, and two from Pure Design (Rowers, Airdynes)—all on our shop floors and ready for action. However, the highlight this month is an innovation from fellow South Australian company Xpeed Fitness, who has just launched two incredible “all-in-one” functional trainer units: the X3 and X9 from their new Quantum Series (Endless Possibilities). I’ve personally tested both units, and they’re truly next-level —smooth, versatile, and built for serious training. If you’re in the market for an all-in-one system, I highly recommend stopping by one of our stores to see them in action.
- Forgotten Gems: This month, I was reminded by a good friend just how versatile and portable the Landmine really is, especially the new rubber ball version from Xpeed. It’s one of those pieces of equipment that often gets overlooked, yet it delivers incredible value. Take a look at these photos of my friend Damian, who’s been staying fit while traveling around Australia—making the most of his Landmine setup wherever he finds himself, what a beast! Whether you’re working out from home or on the road, this piece of gear brings impressive versatility to any fitness routine.
3. Workout Recommendation
Try this workout:
This month, I’m all about getting back to basics. The 5x5 workout has become a staple in my routine, especially with two young kids and a busy schedule that often leaves me with limited time to program or complete my workouts. The beauty of the 5x5 is in its simplicity and efficiency—it’s straightforward, effective, and doesn’t require a massive time commitment. If you’re new to 5x5, it’s a highly impactful program for building size and overall strength, focusing on key compound movements. You can find a detailed explanation here. One word of advice: since this program relies heavily on compound lifts, it’s essential to get comfortable with proper form. If you’re still building up proficiency in these movements, I’d recommend seeking some guidance to ensure safe and effective technique before diving in.
4. Kieran’s Reading List
Book of the month:
In keeping with the focus on compound movements, I have to start with a classic from my personal library: Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training by Mark Rippetoe. This book is an essential guide to mastering compound barbell exercises, offering in-depth instruction on foundational lifts like the squat, deadlift, and press. It's comprehensive, practical, and packed with insights that have shaped my approach to training, both for myself and when coaching others. It’s one I constantly refer back to, as its principles hold up over time and can benefit lifters of all levels.
5. Spotlight on Research
Article or Study Highlight:
Many of you may have seen ads for the fitness tracker Whoop making the rounds on social media. Whoop is designed to be worn around the wrist, recording key health insights 24/7, which are then processed by its algorithm to provide simple, easy-to-digest updates on metrics like sleep quality, heart rate, exercise impact, and recovery. This wearable has become incredibly popular, largely because of its comprehensive tracking, which sometimes offers surprising insights that might differ from how you feel.
One of the most valuable metrics Whoop tracks is Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a key indicator of your body’s readiness to perform. Understanding HRV can really deepen your perspective on recovery and training. If you’re curious about HRV and how it works, here’s a great explanation from Harvard Health.
6. What’s in the Pipeline
Upcoming Projects and Events:
At Fitness Warehouse, we are continually seeking innovative ways to engage with our customers and deliver an exceptional level of service. I believe that maintaining a strong customer experience should be an ongoing endeavor, especially as the landscape in our industry evolves at such a rapid pace.
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing sales and content creation, we’re excited to take a different approach by emphasizing the human element in our sales experience. Soon, we have launched a comprehensive 15-part survey, The Equipment Matchmaker, designed to equip our sales team with the necessary insights to provide tailored equipment recommendations. Once customers complete the survey, they will be paired with one of our specialists, who will take the time to thoroughly review their responses and offer personalized suggestions that meet their specific needs. The proposal presented will often include 3D mock-ups of their space, alternative product options, stock availability, delivery installation costs, product information and follow-up questions to ensure a perfect fit.
Our commitment to delivering bespoke solutions—both for home and commercial settings—has never been stronger. We genuinely enjoy seeing our customers excited about their purchases and are eager to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Kierans quote of the month
"More is lost by indecision than wrong decision." Tony Soprano
I'm conscious that this is a shorter variation of the Roman statesman Marcus Cicero's quote, but it just hits harder coming from a mob boss. Dont you think?
