Social Strength Training: Fitstop Shows Why Lifting Weights Is Better With Mates
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In partnership with Fitstop
The global fitness movement blending team-powered camaraderie with science-backed performance.
As youths, most men kept fit playing outside with mates or engaging in team sports. While you might not think about playing sport as a form of fitness at that age, as you get older, you realise the impact playing sport regularly can have on not only your body, but your mind. Team sport is a great way to keep your body in tip-top shape while creating bonds with other blokes.
But for many Aussies, playing sport ends once they enter adulthood. That’s when real life takes over and things like work, family and other factors take precedence, with fitness often falling to the wayside. That’s where Fitstop steps in – providing the connection between the nostalgia of team sports with modern fitness needs.
More than just a gym, Fitstop is a global community with over 170 locations across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the US. Certified trainers are on hand to push members to their limits, with an emphasis on training, connecting and growing stronger together. It’s a place where busy men can achieve results with functional team training. It’s the type of gym where you go to lift weights with your mates in a friendly and inclusive environment. Sessions are structured for high-performance impact, delivering maximum results in just 50 minutes.
“Fitstop is more than just a gym – it’s a movement,” says Fitstop Athletic Director, Andrew Papadopoulos. “We’re a functional fitness franchise redefining how people train by combining structured strength training with the power of social connection.”
Fitness has become a hot topic amongst modern men. In the fast-paced world we live in, achieving the perfect body is becoming unattainable for most. Instead, there has been a focus on embracing functional training that has long-term benefits, both physically and mentally.
At Fitstop, a powerful unspoken support system exists, where members encourage, challenge, and celebrate victories together. When you train alongside people hitting PRs, that energy is contagious. Unlike many group fitness classes that pack dozens of people into a room with little interaction, Fitstop prioritises training together. Every session you work in teams of 2–4, spotting each other, pushing each other, and celebrating wins – building real accountability and friendships along the way.
Fitstop’s program truly stands out with its structured 12-week progressive training blocks designed for all fitness levels. Each block is carefully planned to help you build strength, speed and endurance over time, ensuring consistent progress. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced athlete, you’ll see measurable improvements every 12 weeks.
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The Fitstop formula is built around four key pillars: Lift, Perform, Condition and Sweat. Lift focuses on strength training with dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbell compound movements. Condition is high-intensity cardio sessions designed to build metabolic endurance. Preform is a mix of free weights and dynamic exercises that test both strength and stamina. Sweat is Saturday team-based workouts that bring the community together.
Strength training is nothing new, but the way Fitstop incorporates it into their workouts is like no other gym program. It’s structured strength training aimed at lifelong fitness instead of short-term fixes. As Andrew explains, “It’s not just about aesthetics – it’s about resilience, performance, and longevity [and] having a body that works for you in everyday life.”
“At Fitstop, we’ve always championed strength, but as more people recognise its importance for metabolic health, injury prevention, and overall well-being, we’ve refined our approach,” Andrew adds.
Noticing a shift away from aesthetics-driven goals to a focus on longevity and capacity, Fitstop have emphasised function and sustainability, crafting a program that helps build and maintain lean muscle while educating members on how to make sustainable, lifelong fitness habits.
“Our structured, measurable progressions help people build real, sustainable strength,” Andrew says. “Every session is designed to build functional strength that keeps you strong and capable for years to come, both physically and mentally. That’s why Fitstop is growing so quickly – people see lasting results from our intentional, science-backed programming that goes beyond just how they look.”
There’s more to Fitstop than just workouts. They’ve built an environment where people feel connected outside the gym, too. Whether it’s through events, challenges or everyday encouragement from coaches and members, Fitstop is more than just a place to train. It’s a community with a shared sense of commitment and accountability, where members encourage each other and celebrate progress together.
Unlock Fitstop’s latest deals and experience the transformative power of functional team training for yourself.
Visit fitstop.com to explore more and find your local Fitstop below:
Fitstop Adelaide City - 151 Pirie Street, Shop 5 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Fitstop Unley - 6-8/291 Unley Rd, Malvern SA 5061, Australia
Fitstop Blackwood - 239 Main Rd, Blackwood SA 5051, Australia
Fitstop Brighton - 506 Brighton Rd, Brighton SA 5048, Australia
Fitstop Noarlunga - SHOP 2/70 Dyson Rd, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168
