Success Stories
At Suburban Fitness we see ourselves as more than just a gym. We like to think of it as a place where we work hard, have fun and create great friendships. Below are some of the success stories of people who have changed their lives with us.
Alf Sekona - 2025
In February 2023, I finally walked into Suburban Fitness — after a fair bit of convincing from my wife, who had joined six months earlier. I was hesitant, a little stubborn if I’m honest, but I knew I needed to make a change. At that point, I was the heaviest I’d ever been and struggling to keep up with our three young kids. That first step wasn’t easy, but it turned out to be one of the most important ones I’ve ever taken.
I set a goal to attend three classes a week, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. I started with fusion classes to build a foundation, and once I felt confident, I added conditioning sessions. The results didn’t happen overnight, but I started noticing big shifts — not just in how my clothes fit, but in my energy, mindset, and overall motivation.
In September 2024, I signed up for the 8-week challenge and pushed myself harder than ever. I followed it up with the February 2025 challenge, and by staying consistent, I’ve lost 40kgs so far. It’s not just about the weight — it’s about feeling stronger, more confident, and more present for my family.
What keeps me coming back is the atmosphere. The coaches are incredible, and the community is always encouraging. Suburban Fitness isn’t just a gym — it’s a place that meets you where you’re at and helps you keep moving forward. If you’re feeling unsure, just take that first step. You might be surprised at how far it takes you.
Before (March)
After (August)
Dean Peyroux
“My big realisation about how unfit and unhealthy I was came when I received my wedding outfit; I had only ordered it 6 weeks prior. I wanted to try it on to see how it looked, but to my dismay, the buttons popped open every time I relaxed my arms. I couldn’t believe how quickly I had let myself go.
It was at this exact moment I knew I couldn’t keep going the way I had been and I needed to do something about it. Not just for the physical side of things but also because I was so disgusted with myself, I knew my mental well-being would soon follow.
Fast forward 12 weeks and not only have I lost 20kgs, I have more energy to do everyday tasks, my moods have levelled out completely and, most importantly, I am feeling better about myself. I am still shocked at how Group-Fit 3-4 times a week, coupled with a controlled diet has done all that for me. And I can’t thank Mark enough for the support he has shown me throughout my journey so far!”
Before After
Vicky Sekona - 2025
When I first walked into Suburban Fitness in 2022, I wasn’t looking for perfection — I just wanted to feel like myself again. As a mum of three, my youngest only two at the time, I had reached my heaviest weight since becoming a parent in 2016. I didn’t even recognize the person in the mirror. It was a hard truth to face, but it sparked something in me: the decision to take back control of my body, my confidence, and my wellbeing.
I started by committing to three group fitness classes a week — that one choice changed everything. I tried fusion and boxing classes and, to my surprise, I absolutely loved them. I began to feel stronger, more capable, and more motivated with every session. The changes weren’t just physical. I could feel the difference in my energy, in how my clothes fit, and in how I carried myself day to day.
The real turning point came in September 2024, when I signed up for the 8-Week Challenge. That’s when I pushed myself further than I ever thought possible. With the support of the incredible coaches and the uplifting gym community, I gave it my all — and by the end of the challenge, I had lost the 20kgs I’d gained over the years and felt fitter than I ever had before.
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. This journey wasn’t just about weight loss — it was about rediscovering my strength and proving to myself that I could do hard things. I’m so grateful for the coaches, the community, and the environment that made Suburban Fitness feel like my second home.
If you’re feeling stuck, I just want you to know: change is possible. It all starts with one brave decision to show up.
“I’ve finally found a gym where I genuinely want to go all the time and never want to miss out on a class. Mark is an amazing gym coach and always puts time and effort into each person that goes there. I’ve never done the same routine twice so it makes going there always different and non-repetitive. I would recommend him and Surburban Fitness to everyone!” — Dani
“Mark, Josh and Dean do a great job of getting to know the clients, pushing us when needed and still remaining very encouraging. Sessions are fast paced and allow you to get a great work out in relatively short amount of time. Highly recommend” — Craig
“While I’ve been on this amazing journey, I have achieved some really great milestones with Mark! He is super encouraging, wants to make sure I'm doing the techniques correctly to avoid hurting myself, very focused on my development and allows me to go at my own pace, but still challenges me to give extra. Training with Mark has been a life changing experience and rewarding! He is fantastic to work with, so here is my personal rating: 5 stars + 95 more!” — Charlotte
Great trainer and loving the Partner-Fit personal training sessions” — Adrienne
“I have only been a member for 2 weeks, but the authentic interest and support in my health / fitness journey from Mark and the trainers and my class companions is amazing! I feel really supported during this hard un-fit phase of returning back to exercise, and this gym has support and encouragement in spades! I love the circuit classes because of the variety. Yes, I hurt in muscles I had forgotten I have, but I just want to go back for more because I feel like I am becoming part of a gym family. And it's kid / lifestyle friendly and what better than to demonstrate to our families that we are focused on health and fitness? That's gotta be a good thing - right!? If you are returning to fitness and need that support, I recommend Suburban gym.” — Amanda
“Mark is a fantastic personal trainer. He is friendly, motivating and incredibly knowledgeable. Mark mixes up the sessions with both cardio and weights to keep it fun and interesting. I would highly recommend both Mark and Suburban Fitness.” — Kathryn
“Love this place! It gets me out of bed most mornings with great people and varied workouts.” — Fee
“I joined Suburban Fitness about six months ago and I love it. I have noticed a significant change in my strength in just six months. I was so nervous to go the first time but everyone was so welcoming and helpful. It is affordable and Mark is great at catering to all abilities. Recommend to anyone whatever your health and fitness goals are.” — Bianca
“I’ve had my right hip replaced four times. I was anxious about not being able to participate fully and standing out from everybody else. I don’t feel like that at all. Mark caters to my needs with alternate exercises when the others are doing something I’m unable to do.” — Andrea
“Before Suburban Fitness I used to think, “how on earth am I going to juggle having an infant, daily housework, errands and trying to exercise? But because of the morning Group-Fit sessions, it’s worked perfectly for us. My husband and I can even bring our daughter along so we can both workout. As Mark says: “the hardest part is getting out of bed in the morning” and, to be honest, it’s so true! SO COME AND JOIN US!! Change your lifestyle, put in the hard work and see GREAT results!” — Vini
“I always loved exercising but I am the kind of person that gives up easily and I find it hard to motivate myself. Fitness takes effort, planning, focus, persistence, and dedication. I used to say every day, “I can’t”, “It’s too hard”, “I’m weak”. These words knocked me down until I stopped saying them. Suburban Fitness not only taught me self-confidence but it taught me I was literally stronger than I thought. I was weak but I created a beast. I am becoming in control of my body and myself.” — Rebeca
“Being overweight and heavy sucks. Mark at Suburban Fitness is an amazing coach and mentor. He encouraged me to give it a go and here I am today. The programmes are super addictive and fun. I recommend this to anybody of any fitness level.” — Mark
“After six months at Suburban Fitness I have become fitter, stronger and have so far lost 10kg. It has been amazing for me because everybody is so supportive of one another and always motivate you to push that little bit harder. I couldn’t ask for a better trainer than Mark, he genuinely cares about his clients and is always an open ear on a bad day. I can now say for the first time in my life I enjoy exercise and I look forward to working out.” — Sharmaine
“It has now become a habit for me to show up around three-to-four times a week in the mornings. Group-Fit fits in with my work and family and has become a lifestyle. I am so much stronger, fitter, toned, and losing inches. Suburban Fitness has a great bunch of people that go and work hard together to get results.” — Laurene
“Since having my three children I have struggled for almost eight years to find something to help me get back to my pre-pregnancy fitness and weight levels. I’ve tried so many systems, gyms, sports and diets and I haven’t been able to see any difference. After only a short period of time at Suburban Fitness I have been able to lose weight, get stronger and increase my weight lifting levels. I love how I feel after each session. I truly appreciate Mark’s help in taking care of my wellbeing. I truly couldn’t have done it without him.” — Kylie
“Finding the time and motivation to exercise can often be difficult especially when you have young children but Mark Harrison has made it possible for my husband and I by allowing us to bring our two kids along who are aged four years and eight months old. Suburban Fitness boot camps are fun and exhilarating. They allow you to become fitter and stronger while losing weight. I would highly recommend it to anyone.” — Tracey