WHEN Wonthaggi local Michael Kelly opened the doors to his new gym, Mak Muscle, on Saturday, August 23, it felt less like a business launch and more like a new chapter in his lifelong love of fitness.
Michael has lived in Wonthaggi his whole life and grew up as what he himself calls a “footy head.” That path was cut short after a knee injury, but what could have been the end of his sporting journey quickly turned into the beginning of something else.
“I always enjoyed the gym in the off-season and preseason for footy,” Michael said.
“Once footy was over, I lived in there. It became an outlet for me and the whole process helped me a lot.”
Through his work, Michael trained at bigger gyms like Derrimut and Muscle City, and he realised there was nothing like them locally. An idea began to form. Why not bring that same vibe to Wonthaggi? Mak Muscle is the result of that idea.
Michael has noticed more people in town taking their health seriously, particularly after the COVID-19 lockdown years.
“Social media has been a massive influence on the health and wellbeing of everyone, especially through COVID,” he said.
“Once you’ve had a lot taken away, it really opens your eyes. I think people want to move again.”
The gym welcomes everyone, from schoolkids and parents to bodybuilders and older locals looking to keep active.
“It’s not a musclehead gym, it’s just a gym,”
Michael said.
“Anyone willing to have a go is welcome.”
The equipment is brand new, the space is designed to be visually appealing, and there is a strong emphasis on inclusion. That sense of belonging flows directly from Michael and his team. His personal trainer, Imogen Dizane, shares the same values and works hard to support members who might feel nervous about starting out.
The gym also challenges some of the myths around fitness. Michael says too many people get caught up in short-term programs.
“You see these eight-week challenges, but I think that can deter people from the gym in the long run. It should be about a lifestyle change. Just get one per cent better every day. If you make it a habit, and you enjoy it, your life will improve drastically. That’s what we want to help with.”
At the heart of Mak Muscle is a simple philosophy: train hard, stay hard. For Michael, that means building not only physical strength but also mental resilience.
“Life is tough; it throws obstacles at you all the time. The gym helps you be ready for that.”
Looking ahead, Michael has big plans. More than just a gym, he wants Mak Muscle to grow into a true wellbeing hub for Wonthaggi.
“This is just the start,” he explained.
“We want to be bigger and better, fresh and modern, and ready to help anyone.”
You can find more information at makmuscle.com.au.