CBD fitness clubs introduce ‘sweatworking’

The concept of executives networking while working out – dubbed 'sweatworking' in the USA where the trend originated – is being adopted by fitness clubs in Australian cities.

Business people taking clients to the gym rather than entertaining them with drinks and meals, has been a popular trend in major US and UK cities in recent years, with Spinning classes particular popular because participants can exercise at their own pace.

Fitness First Australia's latest new club in Melbourne's Flinders Street Melbourne is mindful of the trend, recently introducing a meeting room for members to book for their own meetings.

The Zone in Fitness First's Pitt Street Sydney club also encourages early morning workout meetings while an increasing number of Fitness First clubs have members’ lounge areas, where members and guests can meet after their workout.

At the Corporate Fitness Club in Melbourne, owner Rob Tripodi has noticed an increasing number of his executive clients 'sweatworking'.

Tripodi recently told Fairfax Media “more of my fitness club members are asking if they can invite a customer to a class and then take them for a healthy bite to eat afterwards.

"Some clients are going as far as having their PA schedule internal meetings at the gym so while smashing a spin bike they can chat about work-related issues.”

Despite the gym traditionally being a place of refuge from work's strains and stresses, conducting business while using cardio equipment (with Wi-Fi connectivity - so executives can stay connected), in a class or in a weights area looks set to become an increasingly an influential part of executive life. 

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