Highgate

May 30, 2023

He made headlines for having Perth’s most exclusive gym but Chris Wilson’s latest venture is all about community. The well-known western suburbs personal trainer will this week open a second outpost in Highgate, after his original gym in Nedlands hit capacity soon after launching two years ago. The first Chris Wilson Fitness Studio garnered buzz for offering a top-tier membership of $579 per week, the equivalent of $30,000 per year, and attracted a wealthy clientele. While the Highgate studio will have the same pricey option — which boasts a long list of inclusions from saunas to luxe dinners — Wilson doesn’t want cost to be a barrier for new members. “We do obviously have a very expensive membership tier, but I don’t want people to feel like it’s out of price point for them,” he says. “Our members are really proud to say they train with us, but when they tell their friends they say ‘how do you afford to train there?’ But it’s not like that. “At Highgate we have competitive membership prices and there are options for everyone, starting at $49 per week.” Engaging with the local community is the core of Wilson’s focus, and he has already planned “train with your dog” sessions outdoors, a partnership with yoga studio neighbour Energy Cntr and collaborations with burgeoning artists. Camera Icon “I am always thinking about what else we can give our members,” he says. “We have created these member VIP cards with 20 different benefits in the community. For example, they can show their card at Chu Bakery or Tom’s Providore and get a discount.” A percentage of profits from both studios will be donated to the Waalitj Foundation. If opening a new gym wasn’t enough for Wilson, he is also preparing to welcome his second child with wife and fellow Perth health entrepreneur, Bodyscape Yoga owner Rosanna Susanto. In a case of history repeating, the couple had son Hunter, now 20 months, soon after the Nedlands studio launch. “Rosanna is 30 weeks pregnant so we only have eight to 10 weeks left. I have this pattern where I seem to open a studio and have a baby,” Wilson laughs. Chris Wilson Fitness Studio Highgate is running free open-day classes on Saturday June 3. The studio is also collaborating with Bodyscape Yoga and Heartbeat High Pilates for a Wellness on the Water event on The Raft on June 11.