Lee ‘Faz’ Fazackerley

The wide open spaces, physical challenges, sense of adventure and chance to get hot, sweaty, dusty, wet and muddy all in one session whilst working as part of a team to complete "outside of the box" style challenges is truly what attracted and keeps me connected to this amazing place and community that Luke and Acacia have created as The Farm Gym.

 I'm fortunate to experience this place on a variety of levels, firstly the eyes of a training team member on the popular Casual Saturday sessions and afternoon strength sessions. Next as a Farmily member who has been able to use my trade skills to contribute to the farm, gym and its community to help provide solutions to prolems. And most recently as a student with the opportunity to be mentored by the knowledgeable, understanding and down to earth group of coaches is one that I am very grateful to have been offered. 

From what started as a curious visit 18 months ago has now grown into a very important part of my and my family's life. At The Farm Gym I am able to give to myself by being a part of the physical and mental activity challenges whilst also being able to give back to a community that continually gives back to each other.

This place has a family-friendly, ‘train hard-train smart’ all-inclusive culture about it. The greatest thing about this place on top of everything else is being able to include my family, whether that be for social post training catch ups or the ease of bringing my daughters to a Saturday creche session that sees all the kiddies welcomed with open arms and smiling faces.

All in all, it comes down to a choice, of whether you want to spark your curiosity and see what this place has to offer YOU, as it varies for each individual.

jackie Theintz - yandina

It’s hard to narrow down all the things I love about the Farm Gym. In terms of training, their offering is unmatched. Every week, you have the opportunity to strength train, run outside on the obstacle course, push sleds across the tennis court, practice yoga, and even improve your coordination skills while juggling. The sessions are challenging and varied. No matter your level of experience, you’ll be able to push yourself in every single class.

My favourite day to spend at the gym is Saturday. I was initially reluctant to wake up early for the 7:00am sessions, but quickly learned that it’s 100% worth it. The day starts off with a grinding 90-minute workout outside. Luke and Acacia enjoy coming up with interesting workouts, all of which involve a fair amount of teamwork and brainstorming. Memorable workouts include balancing an egg on a spoon throughout the obstacle course without breaking it, doing the obstacle course blindfolded, and riding the assault bike as the rest of the team pulled it through the fields! Every workout is surprising and unbelievably fun.

Once the workout is over, that’s just the beginning! We then head over to the community garden where we take care of the fruit and veg. This can involve anything from planting new seeds, weeding and watering, to harvesting tons of delicious food. Since joining the Farm Gym, I’ve brought home ginger, turmeric, sweet potatoes, mangoes, mint, rosemary, bananas, limes... the list goes on.

 And all of this is done in the company of hands-down the best people I’ve ever met. Luke and Acacia are inspiring, funny, and down-to-earth. With a unique combination of tenaciousness and creativity, they have managed to create a community unlike any other. The Farm Gym is made up of people who support each other both within and outside the gym walls. I’m so thankful and proud to be a member of the Farm Gym.

Chris Gough

Like no other gym I’ve experienced… anywhere in the world.

In my work as a business coach and consultant, for anyone seeking happiness and sense of fulfilment in life, I recommend the work of Positive Psychology expert - Shawn Achor.

Shawn teaches 5 key principles to living a happy life:

1. Mindfulness – train your mind to be a tool to serve you. 2. Practice Gratitude - instead of seeking gratification. 3. Journal - reflect regularly. 4. Perform random acts of kindness – be in service to your fellow humans. 5. Exercise – because your body matters and it has to last you a lifetime.

Can you imagine a gym that embraces all 5 of these principles? That’s The Farm Gym.

On the exercise front; I used to think I worked out pretty hard…What I’ve discovered since joining The Farm Gym, is there are always physical boundaries to push through and thanks to Luke, Acacia and the Farm Gym coaching crew, I discovered I had more to give and that mindset was the key to finding it and to be able to “show up” 100%.

You find your ability to push through your previous physical limits and boundaries when you work out alongside a group of like-minded people that are willing and supporting you to give it your all. We are all capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for and my experience is that final 5% comes through a team activity. You rarely give 100% for yourself, but my experience is I will for my tribe.

Doing physical activities under the watchful eye and skilful instruction of the awesome Farm Gym coaches quickly provides confidence in one’s ability and the development of a “I’ll have a go” mindset and positive attitude. For exercise to lead to effective results you need consistency, discipline, a like-minded tribe to work out with and a goal. These are the ingredients you will not find anywhere else.

So, when you have booked into a small group session you cannot just “give it a miss” – You commit, and this leads to consistency and results. No mistakes.

And what is my goal? To be Farm Strong.

I work out during the week so that I can confidently and easily accomplish the heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying jobs around the property at the weekend and still be able to move on a Monday morning!

A strong body is less likely to become an injured body.

And the tribe of people?

We come in all shapes and sizes, ages, abilities from a wide variety of backgrounds. This isn’t a gym lined with mirrors with cliques gossiping in corners. No judgements and 100% inclusive. Everyone is welcome and included, no matter what their starting fitness level might look like. It’s about progression; not perfection. We all start from different levels and cheer and help each other on and celebrate our wins along the way.

Are you ready to join us?

Check The Farm Gym out today. It will be the best decision you make this year.

Emma clarke - nambour heights

I joined the Farm Gym in January 2019 primarily to improve my mind, be kinder to myself and all that jazz... What I found was the ‘Farmily’.

At first I thought it was kinda cute, but after a year I think I better understand what it really means to be part of this community. What gym have you ever been to and it’s not about you? I see the greatest success of The Farm Gym being the support toward one another that just flows naturally; it creates a safe environment for positive change and growth. We take care of each other in every session no matter who turns up on the day, no questions. Luke and Acacia’s values and respect for community has attracted a fine group of humans who care and support one another first, then train hard and have fun. Taking responsibility for your health is such a personal journey that involves working the body and mind. For me, the Farm Gym supports the development of both - the body through first class training and the mind through the community or ‘Farmily’. 

The small class structure immediately made me feel more comfortable. You are always working beside friends at The Farm Gym, which I believe helps relieve the inevitable anxiety that comes up when you’re out of your comfort zone. All the coaches are awesome too, supporting and educating us every step of the way. I feel safe when I train at The Farm Gym, knowing I’m receiving professional direction every session. You get the benefits of personal training in a supportive group environment.

My newfound enthusiasm for exercise has far surpassed my expectations. I’ve never felt comfortable in a gym. I don’t come from a fitness background and, like anything, how do you know what to do if you have never done it? Over the year I have gained strength, confidence and knowledge from training at The Farm Gym, but the gains I value most are the friends made and experiences we get to share every week.

P.S. If your thinking of joining, 4pm Rabbit hole. Just saying........ ;) 

robyn hardy

The day I joined The Farm Gym I was there for a totally different reason. I went there to support my daughter in "checking out" what it was all about. A gym wasn't for me. I had tried and failed. 

We met Acacia who made us feel welcomed straight away. She showed us around and explained what the Farm Gym stood for. From the fabulous gym setting and outdoor obstacle course to the Farmily garden full of love and yummy fresh produce. 

Still I wasn't thinking of me till Acacia said "And what about you Robyn?". I looked at her and told her I was too old and slow. No confidence here. 

 Well that day we both joined. Training with Luke and Acacia who are just so inspiring, is awesome. They lead the tribe with their wealth of knowledge. They are with you all the way. They always have the right words of encouragement and answer questions no matter how trivial they seem. I do things I couldn't do months ago. I am physically and mentally stronger to deal with everyday life.

 Outdoor training with Alicia is just another part of this wonderful gym. She is always so encouraging. I'm only at the beginning of my journey but I know Luke and Acacia and the rest of the Farmily will be there to support and encourage me without judgment every step of the way. 

samantha english - kenilworth

My biggest fear about joining a gym has always been being judged, for how I looked, for not being able to use certain equipment, for not being able to complete a workout, but the word judgement doesn’t exist at The Farm Gym. You are made to feel like you belong from every member every time you walk through that door.

 When I decided to join the gym I had a weight loss goal in mind and a time frame on it. But within weeks of being a member my desires became more than just achieving a number on the scales, it became a pursuit for confidence and for strength physically & mentally. I knew that this was where I wanted to be long term, not just as a quick fix.

 It is never a chore when “gym day” comes, I actually wish that I had more hours in my days so I could go more often. I love that every session is designed specifically to work every inch of your body over the course of a program, then the next program comes, and you find even more muscles that you never knew existed! Sessions are always fun and 100% coached by professionals who offer a whole world of knowledge and you are 100% supported physically & emotionally by the team around you.

 Acacia & Luke have not just created a gym full of individual members, they have built a supporting community and an infectious atmosphere that you just won't find anywhere else.

Jodie Bisby - Nambour Heights

I always wanted to go to the gym but lacked the confidence. I always worried about what others would think of me and was embarrassed to be around other fit and toned people. I had no motivation, not to mention I was very unfit. I thought all gyms are the same. One day I plucked up the courage to join a gym, however it was not for me! BUT then I came across “The Farm Gym”. A gym that is full of fun, excitement, and a place where I can truly be me with no judgement. I have now been going to The Farm Gym for approximately 2 years. I did have about 3 to 4 months off and missed it a lot!! So I went back and it’s the best decision I could have made! From the moment I walked through the doors 2 years ago and even today, I feel a sense of belonging, safety and respect. I have grown so much as an individual due to the belief Acacia and Luke have in me, not to mention the rest of the members at the gym.

I love the combination of indoor and outdoor training including the obstacle course where I can get in amongst nature and beauty of the land! I also love the organic garden where we grow and harvest food to take home and make something really delicious and healthy. I have been going to the gym 4 to 6 days a week not because I ‘have’ to BUT because I ‘WANT’ to! I am more motivated, have lots of energy and notice that I am toning and losing weight whilst having fun! I feel very blessed to have such awesome coaches who are very knowledgeable and skilled. I have achieved a lot of skills that I thought were not possible and many more skills to learn. My journey here at The Farm Gym is not over!

Robert Kalandyk - Flaxton

In the short time I have been at The Farm Gym, I have experienced changes in my life that I couldn’t have dreamed of. I wasn’t fit or confident when I first walked through the doors of The Farm Gym. I made the first step to changing that when I did, and have met some amazing people in the process. The amount of support that is given by everyone when you walk through the doors everyday is amazing, everyone is in there for the same reason to make themselves stronger more confident and capable human beings.

Luke and Acacia have built a gym, and a community has been built around it. When I first walked in the doors of The Farm Gym the only option for training was Strength and Conditioning which combined indoor workouts with weights, full body mobility movements and cardio. There was a small community garden which had some produce you could harvest, if you wanted to add something to your meal that was freshly grown and harvested. After a while they added in a different form of training, which has been named Outdoor Training. This is fully outdoors around a 40 acre farm which I really enjoy doing, I think I have only missed 5 or 6 sessions, coached by Alicia Ings. Yoga has also become apart of training at The Farm Gym, and I have enjoyed learning how my body grows through movement. The garden has grown from a small patch to a community built and maintained larger garden under the guidance and care of The Farmily, which is still growing.

What can I say about Luke and Acacia, apart from they are amazing human beings who want nothing but the best for this world and for their daughter Cleo. They have helped many people in their growth as humans and have built a way of living which will continue to grow and be more.

When I first started my journey I was unfit and unhealthy weighed in at 96kg struggled at first with a lot of things in the gym, as the months went by I started training more and more. I was training up to 11 times a week, which helped me become fitter, stronger and faster then I have ever been both mentally and physically. There is only so far you can push your body without proper recovery before it has had enough and let’s you know which is were I am at now, it is a part of learning which is what growth is all about. By learning this for myself I will have the skills and knowledge to help others. Nutrition is a massive part of changing your body and mind, for me that has never been bad but not great, improving in certain aspects has helped me make the changes I have made.

The best advice I can give, is if your thinking of doing something, give it a go. You won’t know unless you try whether you will enjoy it or not, if you don’t enjoy it - well at least you can say you gave it a go and learnt something about yourself in the process.

Tina White - DULONG

Luke and Acacia Harvison are the most inspirational, zest for life Personal Trainers that instill the very essence of themselves into The Farm Gym. This very point of difference, along with the no judgement, complete diversity and acceptance is what makes The Farm Gym so special and unique.

I began my epic journey seventeen months ago at The Farm Gym. In that time, I have grown in more ways than just getting fit and healthy. Luke and Acacia have taught me how to become strong in mind, body and spirit. Because of these two-amazing people I have not only reversed my risk of obesity related diseases, I have regained quality of life, energy to run and play with my son as he grows and re-ignited vitality in my marriage. My journey is not over, I have a thirst to find what else I can achieve, to be better, to try harder. The Farm Gym experience is a holistic community focused on offering a safe place of equality, fun and enjoyment.

Kate Macdonald - kureelpa

I sent a message to The Farm Gym having spent 12 years trying to lose weight and regain my health and fitness after having children. I’d tried so many different gyms, eating programs and dieting fads. Looking back, I was super nervous and embarrassed about doing something so ‘drastic’ rather than just joining a gym where I could hide in the back on the treadmill. I had plenty of fearful thoughts wondering how I would do things I found difficult in front of people I didn’t know. I’m not sure what made me follow through with the appointment to come and visit the gym – I just knew it was time. I felt so welcomed, safe and respected on that first visit. Luke and Acacia certainly didn’t claim that the journey would be easy, and it hasn’t been. BUT they told me they knew I could do it. And they made me believe that was true, despite all my fears, from that very first day.

I’ve been going to the gym 3 - 4 days a week for 10 months now. I get up at 5am in the morning to exercise and I love it, even though sometimes it's still not easy. I’ve been able to drop 3 dress sizes and still going. I promise you, those three things are things I thought I’d never achieve in a million years. As proud as I am of those physical results, they are secondary to the mental and emotional strength I have gained because of The Farm Gym. It is a 360 degree, whole person experience. Every aspect of life is nourished and developed here. Our children are welcomed and cared for by incredible people. We plant and grow food in the beautiful surroundings and work hard together. I feel supported and encouraged at all times by our coaches and every single Farmily member. We laugh, cry, sweat and share our thoughts and ideas. I am part of a truly enriching, holistic community that treats each member with kindness, respect, and integrity.

Luke and Acacia have created a highly positive environment where everyone feels inspired to hold themselves to a high standard – a personal high standard, which is fluid and developing all the time. They are motivated, forward thinking leaders who lead from the front – they rarely just say ‘Go’ but more often ‘Let’s Go!’. They are skilled and professional in their field, but down to earth and personal at the same time. I could not ask for better coaches, and I love working with them both for the diverse skills they share. I can honestly say The Farm Gym has affected great change in me, and this has flowed into so many other areas of my life in such a positive way. I’ll always be grateful for the day I first walked into the gym and all that I’ve learned and will keep on learning there. 

MICHELLE PRICE - MAROOCHY RIVER

I had a goal. I had a dream. I wanted to join the Australian Defence Force. Now was the perfect time in my life to follow my dream and passion and set about what I needed to do.

I walked through the doors of The Farm Gym over 14 months ago and the journey I have undertaken in this time has been not only achieving my dream but of also discovering my potential, my strengths, my weaknesses, my self belief.

Upon meeting trainers/owners Luke and Acacia Harvison I was immediately blown away with their kindness, professionalism, genuinity and overall awesomeness! I knew I had met some very incredible and special people. I knew through their guidance, encouragement and training programs they taught I was going to be successful in achieving my dream. The Farm Gym is a community where people connect on all levels with one major commonality, ‘Being the best version of themselves’. Everyone supports each other. There is always laughter, sweat and tears. Not only do you undertake physical training indoors and outdoors at The Farm Gym but you learn how to have a good mindset.

The Farm Gym values; Integrity, Honesty, Passion, Humility are a continued reminder to always try your best and put in 100 percent no matter how hard it feels at times. I am proud to belong to such an inspiring group of people and privileged to be trained by experts in their field, Luke and Acacia. I have achieved so much more and learnt so much more about myself than I could of ever imagined. The Farm Gym is truly a phenomenal training facility where you do achieve your potential and you do become the best version of yourself. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this amazing community and would encourage anyone to walk through those doors and feel the greatness of what is known as The Farm Gym.

TANYA BAYLISS - KUREELPA

I’m not going to lie, I procrastinated for ages before signing up. How could I justify the weekly membership cost?  Was I going to be fit enough?  Would I have enough time and energy to juggle work AND family AND gym?  Is the garden actually going to produce food?  Should I just go to a gym or get fit myself?  The list went on and on really, but I took the plunge and I’m happy to tell you all that it’s been worth every cent, every bead of sweat, every early morning wake ups and so much more!

I came to The Farm Gym with a few niggles and injuries. In fact because of these, I was in constant pain, struggling to get through the day and was about to invest in orthotics. Of course this affected my mental state. My energy levels were at an all time low and my ability to parent and work was severely affected. Life was hard.   Move forward a year - those ailments don’t even exist! Instead of wondering how I was going to get through the day - I’ve now got energy to burn and I’m really excited for the future! All made possible by The Farm Gym, under the guidance of coaches Luke and Acacia who are professional, knowledgeable and supportive.

 About 10 years ago I trained in a CrossFit box for a few years, so I had experience with lifting weights and high intensity workouts. Now I’m hitting bigger numbers, while training less intensely and I’m older - go figure!

 There’s a lot to love about this beautiful farm and the people here.  I try and always schedule in a weekly yoga session or two with resident yoga teacher Nicola, (her classes compliment what we are doing in the gym so well, and how  cool is it that it’s included in the membership!) and every week we pick herbs, other greens and veges from the garden that help negate some of the costs of the weekly food bill.  There’s been some fabulous seminars and workshops on throughout the year, which have given me some invaluable knowledge. Not forgetting The Farm Gym Pantry, through connecting with other farm members and local businesses, we’ve got organic cold pressed olive oil, honey and sourdough on tap.  Boot Camp with Alicia is a blast and something that I love doing with my son. He especially loves the obstacle course (sooo Ninja Warrior).  How incredible is it that we have a world first facility right here in Nambour?!

 Coming to The Farm Gym has been an investment in myself.  I’ve saved thousands in medical treatments and lost productivity. It’s hard to put into words how much I have changed and how much I have gained.  I cannot thank Luke and Acacia enough for sharing their vision on what a gym should be like and making it happen.  It’s a 5 / 5 star experience from me, I can’t recommend this place enough and urge anyone thinking about joining to stop procrastinating and come and experience it for yourself.  Having a capped membership shows how dedicated Luke and Acacia are to delivering the best possible Farm Gym experience - but it also means you’ll have to secure a spot ASAP to be part of the Farmily!

Bring on 2019, time to achieve more than I thought possible!

Lacey Burns - Nambour

"The Farm Gym is more than just your regular gym, it’s like no place you have ever trained at before. Imagine doing deadlifts while you watch the sunrise, sprinting through the orchards carrying logs while the cows look at you strangely, juggling whilst running up and down hills and doing handstands like when you were a kid. It’s also a community, it really is this close-knit family that cheers each other on and never lets anyone finish on their own. There is no judgement, only encouragement. 

Helen Denton-Mapleton

As a mum of 3 young kids my journey with The Farm Gym began with a lot of hesitation and self doubt. I had never been to a gym before, I wasn’t too sure what to expect or how I would make it work with kids. All my negative thoughts were squashed in my first week at The Farm Gym. Anyone can fit in at this place. Luke and Acacia’s passion is unmistakable and they have created an environment that radiates support, enjoyment and camaraderie. Each of us come from different places but we all share the same goal and that is to get over the finish line together knowing that we gave it our all with true integrity and determination.

Every session at the gym is different, I love that we train outdoors also, I love that we always have a laugh along the way, I love that my kids can be watched and also watch on as I train, and I really love that we can go to the garden together afterwards and pick fruit and veggies. Aside from my physical progression with The Farm Gym I have come to develop a mental strength and confidence that I didn’t expect. Best of all, the physicality and mobility that I have gained from my training at the gym has transitioned across to my everyday life. My children have even started mimicking exercises that we do and that is a real win; living a healthy lifestyle and teaching our future generation at the same time. So thank you Luke and Acacia. This has been an unexpected journey but I can passionately say that I love going to the gym!

I have three kids, so when I go to The Farm Gym it’s my time just for me. I do it for my health and fitness and also for my mind. I love that you never know what to expect when you walk through those doors, no one session is ever the same. 

Luke & Acacia like to think outside the box and push you past your limits. You will learn not only correct technique, flexibility and how to move your body, but also about nutrition and wellness. Then after your session you can pick some fresh organic produce to take home and enjoy from the members gardens."