Level up
TheLab Athletic Club, a HYROX-accredited facility, is elevating fitness right here in Tauranga.
TheLab Athletic Club, a HYROX-accredited facility, is elevating fitness right here in Tauranga.
PHOTOS ALAN GIBSON
Chas Clark.
When pro athlete Chas Clark decided to open a fitness centre, he knew it had to be something special. Something different.
TheLab Athletic Club is the fulfilment of that vision. In the heart of Tauranga, it’s a new kind of fitness and wellness facility that puts as much emphasis on training and recovery as it does on its community.
“At our facility, we aim to transform the training experience with an inspiring space designed to elevate your fitness journey," explains Chas. "Our progressive approach not only challenges but nurtures, creating an environment where you're encouraged to not only discover but to surpass your potential in all areas of health and wellness." The gym offers group classes, personal training, Vo2 max testing, hyperbaric chambers, saunas, physio and a café (Solara) onsite.
The premium facility offers purpose-driven, science-backed functional fitness classes that supports individuals in everyday activities through to triathlons, running, cycling, functional fitness and hybrid racing events. It’s also the leading HYROX-accredited facility in the Bay, with multiple coaches and members representing New Zealand in the breakthrough sport at the recent World Championships in Chicago back in June this year.
But, he says, it’s seeing the potential in each individual, as well as connection, that's at the heart of the experience.
“Community to me means eliminating the barriers that we set ourselves, or those that are placed upon us," says Chas. "Connecting through learned experiences, with a passion to embrace growth in ourselves and others, is vital."
With 660m2 of space, multiple class offerings and the popular café, Solara, offering sensational coffee, nutritious smoothies, bowls and other rotating selections, the facility has become a hub of wellness and social connection.
“It’s a nice space to do a workout and get a really good coffee or a protein shake, afterwards,” he smiles.
Having only opened their doors eight months ago, Chas says he’s stoked with the community response, seeing plenty of new faces coming in the doors each week from near and far, and with the warmer months approaching, it’s only going to keep growing.
“Coming into summer, we’re seeing a lot more buzz around for sure. With the longer, warmer days we always see an increase within the fitness space, with participation and people actively seeking events to train for and attend. Our Sunday Service session has been a hit, especially for those seeking to know more in the HYROX space."
It may sound a lot, but the team has worked hard to ensure TheLab is as welcoming to beginners and competitive athletes. “We have tried and tested for years to ensure a well-balanced programme that gets the most out of you as an individual, in terms of feeling strong, confident, fit and just being an absolute weapon when you need to be.”