
The Evolution of Rigs Fitness:
From “Train Like an Athlete” to Everyday Athletes
When Lou and I took over Rigs Fitness a couple of years ago, we knew we were inheriting something special. Rigs had built its reputation as a facility where elite athletes trained, from WWE wrestlers to seasoned bodybuilders. That legacy was reflected in our big, bold signage: #trainlikeanathlete.
But over the past few years, Rigs Fitness has evolved. So has our definition of what it means to train like an athlete.
From Elite Athletes to Everyday Athletes
In the past, Rigs was seen as a gym for the super fit: the kind of place where lifting heavy, grinding hard, and chasing athletic perfection were the norm. That image worked for a time, but it doesn’t fully reflect who we are now or the community we’re proud to serve.
Today, Rigs Fitness isn’t just for the few at the peak of their physical game. It’s for the everyday athletes: mums, dads, office workers, shift workers and people juggling family life, careers and everything else that comes with modern living.
Redefining “Train Like an Athlete”
We still believe in training like an athlete—but not in the way most people imagine. For us, being an athlete isn’t about chasing the impossible or training to exhaustion. It’s about being athletic in your own life:
Strong enough to pick up your kids without worrying about your back.
Fit enough to tackle a hiking trip without feeling winded.
Robust enough to handle the stresses of everyday life.
It’s about building a body that’s healthy, resilient and capable of supporting a vigorous, energetic life. That’s why our coaching focuses on creating sustainable habits, balancing effort with recovery and making fitness fun.
What’s Changed at Rigs?
We’ve made a conscious effort to shift away from the old image of Rigs as a gym exclusively for weightlifters, boxers and pro wrestlers. While we’re proud of that history, it’s not who we are anymore.
We’re a coaching facility, not a “place to lift weights and leave.” Everything we do is geared towards helping real people—busy people—achieve their goals.
When a recent prospect told me she was put off by some of our older photos on Google, it reinforced how much our message matters. She thought Rigs was full of bodybuilders and super-fit people who might make her feel out of place. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Our gym is full of everyday people just like her. That’s the story we want to tell.
Why We’re Different
We know some gyms can feel intimidating, with 20-somethings training shirtless and shouting through reps. We’ve heard from people who left other local gyms because the environment felt too intense or obsessed with aesthetics. At Rigs, we’re creating something different:
A community where everyone is welcome, regardless of fitness level.
A coaching-led approach that focuses on progress, not perfection.
A facility that values balance and sustainability over extremes.
Our ethos is rooted in helping people feel stronger, healthier, and more confident—not just in the gym, but in every aspect of their lives.
The New #trainlikeanathlete
We’re keeping #trainlikeanathlete because we’ve made it our own. It’s no longer about replicating the training of elite professionals. Instead, it’s about:
Training to live better, not just to lift heavier.
Building strength and fitness to enhance everyday life.
Focusing on health, energy, and vitality—not six-packs and selfies.
For us, everyone who steps through our doors is an athlete in their own way. Whether your goal is to run after your kids, climb the stairs without feeling winded, or simply wake up with more energy, we’re here to help you get there.
A Community for Everyday Athletes
Rigs Fitness has evolved, and we’re proud of the direction we’ve taken. We’re not just a gym—we’re a community for people who want to feel empowered, supported, and strong.
If you’ve ever felt like gyms aren’t for you, come see what we’re about. Let us show you how training like an athlete—in the everyday sense—can transform your life.
Ready to join us? Book a Free Intro session today and start your journey towards strength, vitality, and living your best life.