Meet you at The Yard; The Shire’s Newest Training Facility
We sit down with Yard Owner Dan Bova to talk all things Yard
The Yard has created a new model for group fitness and training, combining the best aspects of training
The time has come where we can finally say meet you at the gym - or in our case The Yard! In case you missed it… GYMS ARE RE-OPENING ON JUNE 13TH! If you’re wanting to get back in shape but are lacking some motivation, here’s a tip, pay The Yard a visit.
Apart from the uber-luxe vibe, The Yard is all about great training, community spirit and an epic atmosphere.
Owner, Dan Bova, has been in the industry for as long as he can remember.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to start The Yard?
I had three F45 studios for nearly six years. Earlier this year I decided to sell all of the studios and come up with a new model for group fitness and team training. I took what I thought were the best aspects of F45 and then added my own training methods.
What can we expect from a typical class at the Yard?
Out of restrictions, it is a group training facility, but more so group strength and conditioning for the everyday person. So this means using principle training techniques that everybody can utilise. Typically, strength and conditioning gyms would be more suited for athletes, but what I have done is try to make the same training principles apply to any age, any gender and any fitness level.
Do you offer a mix of classes?
Yes, they change daily. Our format is three strength sessions a week and three conditioning sessions a week.
With gyms now re-opening, what is your advice to those who have fallen off the fitness bandwagon over the past few months?
To just get back in as quickly as you can, don't think about it. Don't wait for a moment, just get yourself into a gym and get started.
What sets you apart from other gyms in the Shire?
I think the overall concept. It is a scientifically proven training program. All the programs are tested and they are designed to work. And I also think a complete lifestyle brand, offering every aspect of life. You’ve got the merch, the training and the wellness side, so you have a completely rounded product.
The gym has been designed to have a luxe feel for it’s clients
It's not just about 45 minutes of training where you are in and out. We aim to service everything. It’s a great community, there are no egos, everyone is welcome. And of course, the interiors, it’s definitely a luxe feel, with all the extras, all the ‘one percenters’ as I like to call them - being the stretch lab, the coffee machine, the sparkling water and the massage guns.
Driving down Cawarra Road, The Yard is hard to miss. What was the inspiration behind the design and interior of the space?
The interiors and the cosmetic design came a lot from my wife, who has a store in Cronulla and a lot of experience in design. Overall, I wanted to bring a luxe training experience to The Shire. I spent a lot of time training in LA at a gym called Dog Pound. Here they cater for all of the celebrities of West Hollywood. I felt this cosmetic feel wrapped in with the lifestyle brand went well with the type of training I wanted to conduct and produce. A lot of it just comes from personal touches and a complete brand, rather than just a gym.
Can we expect to see anything else on top of classes?
Yes, so upstairs in the near future there will be a luxe boutique PT studio and an exclusive semi-private reformer pilates. This is about 8 weeks away from opening. So I guess there is a big wellness aspect to the gym too, especially with our stretch lab. Our stretch lab is a recovery room that offers all the lifestyle things - tea, coffee, the good stuff!
The Yard is a group training facility, but more so group strength and conditioning for the everyday person
Do you cater for all levels of fitness?
Of course, anyone can try out training. When I design the training, I keep in mind the older generation and how to look after their posture. I emphasise the importance of strength to keep them healthy as they get older. I guess that’s the beauty of it - you can have an athlete and a 50 year old woman and they will be able to train right next to each other, at their own capacity.
Were you expecting such a great response?
I was pretty taken back with the response. It was quite overwhelming to see that within 24 hours our memberships sold out. But at the same time, I wasn’t surprised because I felt like it appeals to so many people. I was happy to see so many different types of people, of all ages feel comfortable to reach out and grab a membership.
So are you ready for your post-ISO comeback?
For more information visit: The Yard
Image credit: supplied.
Posted June, 2020
