Community & Business
21 January, 2026
More locals choosing fitness this new year
HUNDREDS of locals have unknowingly banded together in their fitness goals this new year, flocking to three Tablelands gyms.
About 200 locals have joined up to Anytime Fitness Mareeba and Furious Fitness Mareeba and Atherton within the first two weeks of the year.
Health and fitness goals are common New Year’s resolutions, but whether if it’s a resolution or just a step in a personal fitness journey, local gym owners are pleased to see so many people aiming to better themselves.
“It’s very satisfying. I’ve been doing this for nearly 10 years now and I’ve seen the way people come in, not just physically but mentally as well,” Furious Fitness owner Anthony Merenda said.
“And I’ve also noticed the way people leave, not just after a session, but also after three or six months of progress – I’ve seen some huge transformations. Kids getting bigger, overweight people losing weight and getting healthier, and just people’s overall mental state improving.
“I think with the way the world is today people are looking for an escape, and once you’re not a kid anymore most people stop playing sport. So I think the gym is a really good hobby to take up.
“So, for anyone out there that hasn’t come and tried Furious Fitness, come and check us out.”
Anytime Fitness FNQ operations manager James Sanders said he was surprised with the demographic in the Mareeba gym, and he was happy to see more people joining up in the new year.
“We’ve got young people, a lot of adults around that 35-year-old mark, 66-76-year-old first timers, whole families, people who haven’t trained in 10 or more years. It’s very different to the city,” he said.
“I think people are genuinely excited about what’s happening in Mareeba. There’s a bit of a wave of excitement – you can feel it. They’re seeing growth, and I’ve never seen so many cars up here in my life.
“So, I’m excited to see where Mareeba goes over the next few months. But New Year’s resolutions – yeah, it’s popping. It’s been great and really fun. We’ve got a good flavour of people, and we couldn’t be happier with all the action.”
