Logical Lifestyles: more than a gym

That’s the message owner Mark Pietsch wants everyone to know about his business, which has been open at 81 Rankin Street since March.

Mark started Logical Lifestyles about 12 months ago to help people achieve their fitness goals after losing 78kg in seven months himself.

The idea of the business was to create an environment where people could go to work on themselves in a relaxed, fun and friendly atmosphere.

“I want to help people have fun to enjoy life and to help people improve their health and enjoy the things that life has to offer,” Mark said.

“The focus is on helping people to work on themselves but not by themselves.”

The gym, on the corner of Rankin and Battye Streets, is fitted out with brand new equipment, a stage and features impressive lighting and sound.

“The atmosphere is encouraging and supportive so people can have fun while working on their fitness,” Mark said.

Logical Lifestyles offers a supportive space where people can feel comfortable working out and runs a variety of classes to suit different tastes.

“The reason we started is that everyone is sick of gyms,” Mark said.

“No one wants to go somewhere where they feel judged and feel they are alone and lacking support. Having something like this provides families with something to do together and a sense of ownership in the community.

“We want to provide a place to meet the needs of people in town, where they can have fun, meet new people, get together and have a laugh.”

Logical Lifestyles is open from 7am to 5pm weekdays with classes available from 6am to 9pm.

Mark and his team of personal trainers - Mick Weidner, Amanda Reedy and Gabby Smith - offer classes for kids, beginners and those with more advanced fitness levels.

One of these classes is the popular Les Mills Body Pump, for anyone looking to get lean, toned and fit fast.

Body pump uses light to moderate weights with lots of repetition and gives you a total body workout, burning up to 590 calories.

“It’s like a dance party with weights,” Mark said.

Metafit bodyweight training is another class on offer.

It involves traditional bodyweight exercises with the latest interval and Tabata techniques for an effective workout lasting only 30 minutes.

Logical Lifestyles also offers Osteofit, which is classes for people with joint and bone density problems.

Osteofit is a circuit program that incorporates scaled strength and balance training, to help improve range of motion, flexibility and quality of movement.

One of their most popular classes is Fight Fit, which is boxing with Mick.

A new class on offer is Fast Track, which is to help people learn the basics of fitness such as how to squat, how to deadlift, what a rep is etc.

“It’s a place where people can ask questions they feel uncomfortable asking anywhere else,” Mark said.

“Fast Track is one of our most popular classes at $7.95 a week...people starting off in fitness don’t want to spend a massive amount on something they might not like.”

Kids aged six to 14 can also benefit at Logical Lifestyles with Active Kidz classes which is 30 minutes of fun and combines music, mentoring, fun and fitness into one class.

“It’s all about fitness, fun, leadership principles and I incorporate games and activities,” Mark said.

Mothers classes are also available to help women improve their fitness after pregnancy.

Logical Lifestyles offers personal training with each of its instructors and stock a range of supplements and lifestyle products.

All classes are $10, there are no lock-in contracts and the timetable is completely flexible with people encouraged to make suggestions about what they want.

“Come in, try a class and see what we’ve got to offer as opposed to signing on long-term,” Mark said.

Logical Lifestyles will also soon be hosting seminars where notable speakers will come along to talk about a variety of topics such as fitness, sport, health and lifestyle and the first one will start this month.

Mark said all of these elements combine to set Logical Lifestyles apart from regular a regular gym.

“We’re not a gym, we’re something completely different,” he said.

From a happy customer...

I began my weight loss journey in November 2014 after being inspired by Mark Pietsch and his own personal weight loss story on Facebook.

I was miserable and very overweight, hitting my highest weight ever, so I found the courage to message Mark and ask for his help.

I knew he was the one to help me because he had been there and done it himself. 

He made time for me straight away and I had my first life coaching/personal training session with Mark.

That day changed my life. I left his studio with a whole new mindset...if he can do it, I can do it and nothing is going to stop me.

I gained many valuable tools from training sessions with Mark, not only how to work out but eating and diet information and planning, right through to managing the mental barriers that your mind WILL throw at you along the journey.

I worked hard on getting my diet and calorie intake correct in coordination with my exercise and began losing weight.

Now, eight months later, I have lost 61 kilograms and feel incredible. My energy levels to run and play with my toddler are just outstanding! I got my life back!

To anyone wanting to lose weight, whether it’s 10kg or 60kg, it can be done. Don’t be scared to reach out for help.

We are extremely lucky to have Mark and the Logical Lifestyles studio at our fingertips here in Forbes, so don’t be scared to reach out and use it.

- Leah Smith