Elite athlete and qualified PT and Kic's newest strength trainer!
Elite athlete and qualified PT and Kic's newest strength trainer!
Tori Singleton, acro-turned-strength-queen and the ultimate poster girl for intentional movement, is officially flexing her way onto the global wellness stage. Yep, the Gold Coast powerhouse has just joined Kic, one of the world’s leading health and wellness apps, as their newest strength trainer, and trust us, she’s not here to play small.
Dropping June 2, her four-week gym challenge Own the Gym is all about lifting heavy, cutting through the crap, and flipping outdated fitness myths on their over-plucked brows. If the gym’s ever made you feel awkward, overwhelmed or straight-up invisible, this one’s got your name written all over it. We chatted with Tori to get the scoop on this massive career move.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’ve been living on the coast since 2022 and can honestly say it feels like home. I’ve created such a beautiful life here and have an amazing support network. At the moment, with my new role as Kic’s strength trainer, I’m splitting my time a little bit more between Melbourne and the Gold Coast, but every time I land back here I feel instantly at ease!
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The lifestyle, weather and environment have to be the most incredible things about the GC. I have made the most healthy changes since moving, from the people I surround myself with / have met to the habits I have created because of the healthy inspiration and motivation it provides.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’ve always been super passionate and full of energy, which led me into the world of acro from a young age. I left school in Year 10 to follow my dream of coaching, and ended up competing internationally, even winning a World Cup silver medal.
After retiring early due to injuries and mental health struggles, I went on a big journey of healing – especially after being diagnosed with PCOS. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard on my physical and mental health, and now I’m feeling the best I ever have.
I share a lot of my life and journey on Instagram and have a podcast with my best friend, where we share real, honest convos to help women feel strong, healthy, and empowered.
Huge congrats on joining the Kic team! How does it feel to be repping the Gold Coast on the global wellness stage?
I am so so grateful to be a part of an incredible company like Kic that has created such a tight knit empowering community globally. To be able to inspire and motivate others to prioritise their wellbeing in order to feel their best, most confident self makes me so excited!
What was it about Kic that made you want to jump on board?
As a long time follower of Steph & Laura and really just admiring the messages they share around health and wellness, it was the first thing that I knew aligned so well with my own experiences and values.
Tell us about the new program Own the Gym.
A new era of gym training is here, and I’m so excited to be part of it as Kic’s newest strength trainer. Own the Gym is my gym-based program and four-week challenge that’s all about intentional, empowering training-where progressive overload is the focus and all the noise, myths, and pressure to “go hard or go home” gets left behind.
I’ve built this program around my go-to strength training foundations, with a grounded and supportive approach that helps you build confidence in the gym – no matter where you’re starting from.
Strength training still comes with a lot of myths and misinformation, especially for women. What’s one outdated belief you’re most excited to bust wide open?
Oh, there are so many! But one big one would be that there’s still a common misconception that strength training automatically leads to an overly muscular or “bulky” look. And while it can – if that’s your specific goal and you train consistently with that intention – there are so many different outcomes and benefits of strength training that go far beyond physical appearance.
As a young gymnast, where my appearance was constantly scrutinised, I was scared of looking too muscular. Later in my teens, the pressure to have a “thigh gap” or visible abs was everywhere, and I felt I needed to fit that mould. I would shy away from any training I thought might make me look “too strong.”
But over time, I learned that lifting heavy weights doesn’t have to mean looking a certain way – it’s about feeling strong, capable, and confident in your own skin. For me, it’s helped build a physique I love and given me a deeper sense of empowerment I never expected.
You’re all about intention over intensity – can you explain how that “less is more” mindset helped shift your own approach to training?
At just 18, after two years on the pill, I was diagnosed with PCOS. My body quickly spiralled… cystic acne, rapid weight gain, back fractures, constant illnesses (yep, all at once: tonsillitis, glandular fever and appendicitis). I was completely burnt out, in fight-or-flight 24/7, and honestly… I didn’t even recognise myself anymore.
I just wanted to feel like me again. So I did what I thought I had to do… overtrained, under ate, took fat burners, and obsessed over the quick fix because I thought if I just looked a certain way, I’d feel worthy. But after two years of that toxic cycle, and still feeling stuck, I knew deep down something had to change. That breaking point became my turning point. I stopped trying to “fix” myself and started actually healing – physically, mentally, emotionally, and hormonally.
I learned how to support my body instead of fighting against it, how to train smarter not harder, and how to regulate my nervous system from the inside out. I stripped it all back. Educated myself, focused on the basics, and found consistency over chaos. Strength training became my therapy; a space where I feel grounded, capable, and strong especially on the tough days.
You’re a big advocate for balance. How do you personally keep that balance in check – between work, movement, rest, and, you know, life?
Over the last 5-6 years of this health and fitness journey of mine I have learnt to really understand my body. Knowing when it needs a little extra push or a little extra rest and sometimes determining between the two can be quite tricky but always knowing you are capable of more than you think on those less motivated days but also without the rest your body can’t recover and continue to progress.
I have created a life that I love waking up to every single day which allows me to have freedom in moving my body how I enjoy and always filling up my cup to make sure I don’t burn out.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Rafiki and Palm Springs
Restaurant: Light Years!!
Bar: this girl doesn’t drink and prefers nights on the couch with her favourite people and her puppy !!
Beach: Palm Beach or Coolangatta
Acai: Oakberry, of course
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Oh so many things… so to list a few… I love to relax with my partner and puppy, clean up the house, have movie nights in the lounge room, beach walks, work on something that lights me up, spend time with my best friends.
If your version of “self-care” looks like scrolling TikTok in bed with a family-sized block of chocolate, first of all….same. But if you’re serious about all things wellness and recovery, Gold Coast, we need to talk. The pride and joy of Arundel has arrived and her name is Breathe Performance Recovery, the dreamy new spot in town that’s giving wellness a seriously stylish (and evidence-based) makeover.
The brainchild of powerhouse trio Ashleigh Wilson, Julia Poole, and Kassiah Miller-MacLeod, Breathe isn’t your average gym-adjacent sauna setup or yoga studio-turned-juice bar. It’s a luxury, purpose-built recovery and wellness destination that blends top-tier performance tools with calming, design-led vibes. After years in the fitness and wellness industry, these savvy entrepreneurs saw a gap for a space that truly supported both body and mind in slowing down, healing, and recharging. Every element – from the services to the layout and interiors – was created with intention to bring that vision to life.
The soft opening in late April saw locals dipping their toes (and entire bodies) into the serene space, so they could get a taste of what this incredible development is all about; community, connection, and cutting-edge recovery. But now the team is gearing up for a grand opening that promises to be equal parts celebration and reset, and spoiler alert: it’s going to be ‘breath’-taking.
So, what’s on offer once you step into this holistic haven? Oh, just a curated mix of revolutionary recovery tools that’ll have your body loosening up faster than your jeans after Christmas lunch. Breathe serves up a range of recovery services and wellness facilities, like state-of-the-art infrared saunas with chromotherapy, reformer Pilates classes designed for precision and strength, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and compression therapy lounges using Normatec technology.
But the magic of Breathe isn’t just in its fancy recovery gadgets, it’s in the atmosphere. The space is both luxe and gorgeously grounded – think earthy tones, soft lighting, natural textures, and a calming aesthetic that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a high-end design mag. And once you’ve finished resetting every cell in your body, you can hit up the in-house café for a nourishing drink or snack that tastes as good as it makes you feel. Wellness, but make it delicious.
Breathe’s mission – to make recovery a lifestyle not a luxury – is another major flex factor. Whether you’re a high-performance athlete or just someone who’s been hunched over a laptop since 2014, this place is built for you. It’s not about having abs of steel or being able to touch your toes in a handstand. It’s about balance. About slowing down. About remembering to exhale after that giant inhale we call life.
Breathe is bricks and mortar proof that recovery is the new cardio – and we’re not mad about it. Whether you’re chasing PBs or peace of mind, this is your one-stop sanctuary to reset, recharge, and remind yourself that wellness doesn’t have to be hard.
Where: 10/354 Brisbane Road, Arundel
When: 5:30am – 9pm Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm Saturday, & 8am – 6pm Sunday
Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Mathilde Bouby
Feeling a little ho-hum over your usual sweat sesh rotation? Or maybe your rickety rig has been feeling less like a temple and more like a ‘fixer upper’ of late?
Whether you revel in any reason to get the ole’ bod moving, or the thought of exercise bores you to your very core – having some exciting new options to throw in your trusty repertoire can never be a bad thing. So without further ado, here are 10 unique exercise experiences on the GC to try your hand at. Because, y’know, variety is the spice of life, and all that.
Retro Fit
Sweatbands, sweaty bods and lairy leg warmers as far as the eye can see – no, you have not stepped back to a simpler time when Aerobics Oz Style dominated our pre-dawn tele viewing (#NostalgiaAlert). We are, in actual fact, referring to Retro Fit, an assortment of 80’s themed aerobics sessions where you get to strut your stuff to all your favourite bygone bangers… so basically, the most fun one can have while working out. Held at The Junction in Burleigh Heads, there’s different types of sessions going down several times a week, so there’s really no excuse not to get down and… get physical [gyrating intensifies].
Where: 14 Junction Rd, Burleigh Heads
Lights Out and Dance
For the rhythmically challenged among us; if the chance get your groove on under the cover of pitch black darkness sounds a dream, get on down to Lights Out and Dance and ‘dance like nobody’s watching’ (literally). Get those endorphins flowing while you lose yourself to some sweet dance beats in what is basically the most unintimidating group setting you can get. The intuitive-style sessions are held in a dark room so you can work up a sweat shaking what your mama gave you without a care in the world; and have stacks of fun in the process. Post-workout glow, incoming!
Where: Broadbeach Cultural Centre, Hooker Blvd &, Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach Waters and Runaway Bay Youth Centre, 379 Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay
Puppy Yoga
No, we haven’t gone barking mad – Puppy Yoga is very much a thing… and yes, it’s exactly as amazing as it sounds. Picture down-dogging ’til hearts content, whilst being overrun by a sea of cute puppies! Hosted by the mindful fun and animal snuggle purveyors at Karmably, there’s various, oxytocin-boosting pop up dates held at Flow St8 throughout the year. Plus, we get to feel extra good knowing we’re helping socialise the pint-sized participants while we get our sweat on! Yep… it’s paw-ficial the perfect workout really does exist.
Where: Flow St8, 10 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach
Run Clubs
If your typical cardio rotation consists only of running away from your problems and jumping to conclusions, the various iterations of social run clubs that call the GC home will make a runner out of you yet. If you’re looking for a supportive environment where you can slide on in at snails pace without so much as a second glance, Parkrun is a perennial fave. With community events held weekly from Coomera through to Kirra, participants are welcome to walk, jog, run, or simply spectate. Or for a little extra incentive; we’d recommend checking out clubs that strategically plan their routes around our fine assortment of local watering holes, such as Unfit Run Club and Good Good Running.
Where: Assorted clubs/locations across the Gold Coast
Aerial yoga
If you’ve seen one tree pose, you’ve seen them all, right? Well, not necessarily… If you’re looking to shake up your usual stretch-and-breath sesh, Aerial yoga is where its at! Experience yoga from a whole new perspective, with an invigorating workout that involves performing poses gracefully suspended from a mix of hammock, silk and ring style contraptions. And the best part? You don’t even need to be a card-carrying yogi to get in on the fun! A variety of beginners classes mean people of all ages and abilities can learn the moves ‘on the fly’. Go on, why not give it a whirl!?
Where: Hapy Studio, 9/5 Traders Way, Currumbin
Therapy Fitness
When it comes to changing up the same ol’ workout grind, spin is hardly a revolutionary (geddit, heh) concept – but hear us out, because what we’re proposing is anything but your typical cycle class. At Therapy, Mermaid’s multi sensory fitness studio, the immersive ‘therapy’ sessions are all about boosting mental as well as physical wellbeing… and who doesn’t love a to-do list two-fer?! Combining music and movement, each of the fully integrated studio spaces have been optimised to get both the mind and the bod feeling fab. You’ll be glowing from the inside out in no time.
Where: Cnr Markeri St &, Southport Burleigh Rd Q Super Centre, Shop D2/D3, Mermaid Waters
Pound Fitness
Alright so remove any expectations you might have about what this entails and get excited for an extra fun time… because this workout ROCKS. Get ready to bliss out with ‘ya sticks out – fluro green drumsticks – that is, with the exhilarating full-body cardio jam session known simply as Pound. A rockstar-worthy workout that combines sweet beats with pilates inspired strength training and the sweat-dripping fun of drumming. What a time. Now this is the kind of exercise we could really ‘drum up’ some enthusiasm for! *ba dum tiss*.
Where: Various locations across the GC
Pole dancing
Does the thought of yet another yoga or pilates sesh low-key have you yawning? Why not step it up a notch and have a pole lot of fun challenging and contorting your core in ways you never even knew possible! Even if you’re not typically the flexy type; the pros behind some of our local studios promise there’s no previous experience or even coordination pre-requisites to give it a go! So really, we’ve got nothing to lose, and a whole lot of flexibility, and strength to gain. Sounds pretty badass to us.
Where: GCPOLEFIT, 87 Griffith St, Coolangatta and Rokh Fit Studio, Unit 2/19 Township Dr, Burleigh Heads
Cold Nips
What the heck is Cold Nips you ask? Well, basically, it’s a club dedicated to the art of starting your day with a nippy sunrise dip, that’s what. Promoting wellbeing and positive mental health, the national wellness initiative is all about finding joy and discomfort while connecting with like-minded peeps in nature, and how can you argue with a mood-boosting ritual like that? And to ensure they’re always keeping things fresh, each week’s mystery beach location is only revealed the Sunday night before.
Where: Locations vary weekly, check socials for deets.
NBHD HOT
If you’re in the mood to be challenged by more of a slow burn style workout – never fear GC, we gotchu… or at least, the Coast’s first infrared hot room does. Do not let the low impact movements and stretch-based routines deceive you – with German made infrared heating panels designed to heat your body from the inside out, a NBHD (or neighbourhood training) sesh will have you sculpting, strengthening and sweating like never before.
Where: 2582 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Words by Kellie Leader.
Carly Gallagher is a powerhouse Naturopath, Aromatherapist, Yoga Teacher, and go-to wellness coach for middle-aged women navigating hormonal weight gain.
With over two decades of experience in the health space and a personal 8-year journey to overcome her own weight struggles, Carly has honed a unique, science-backed process that resets the metabolic drivers in the microbiome—helping women in their 40s and beyond not only lose weight but keep it off effortlessly. And the best part? Her method is simple and can be done from the comfort of home, without grueling workouts or restrictive diets.
We caught up with Carly to dive deeper into her philosophy, how she’s transformed her own health, and the advice she has for women looking to get back in control of their weight and wellness.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I’m a Gold Coast native, having grown up here and attended John Paul College in Daisy Hill. After graduating from The Australian College of Natural Medicine in 1994, I spent some time travelling overseas before settling in Melbourne for about two decades. The allure of the beach brought me back to the Gold Coast in 2020, so I’ve been a local again for the past few years. I wanted my teenage daughter to have the same life I had growing up on the beach.
What do you love most about Gold Coast?
What I love most about the Gold Coast is, without a doubt, the beach – did I mention the beach? It’s not just a coastline; it’s a way of life here. The year-round awesome weather is a close second compared to Melbourne, making every day feel like I just got off a plane in Bali. It’s impossible not to notice how fit and active Gold Coasters are. We’re practically a city that lives in activewear! Whether it’s surfing, jogging on the beach paths, or doing yoga on the foreshores, there’s always someone out there embracing our outdoor lifestyle. The combination of sun, surf, and an active community creates this vibrant, energetic atmosphere that just fills up my heart with love.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a naturopath and yoga teacher with over 25 years of experience in health. My life changed when I entered my 40s during perimenopause 8 years ago (hello hormones!), and I threw myself into women’s health, finding yoga and adding teaching to my toolkit. During COVID, I created a chakra-balancing range of body oils and herbal teas, which I sold at Palm Beach Currumbin markets for a year before my business for women over 40 took off. When I’m not helping my ladies or crafting wellness products, I’m in Currumbin with my cycling-enthusiast husband, our beach-loving 14-year-old daughter, our 2-year-old moodle, two cats, and four chickens. It’s a busy house-hold, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
How did Inner Alchemy come about?
Inner Alchemy’s birth was quite a mystical experience. While studying yoga in Thailand, I had this surreal moment during a deep, ‘woo-woo’ meditation. One minute I’m being guided through a meditation, the next I’m envisioning a new business logo and brand – talk about a creative download! The tetrahedron shape in the logo has three points, representing me, my husband, and our daughter. Plus, being born in March, three has always been my lucky number. Cosmic coincidence? Maybe! At its core, Inner Alchemy embodies my fascination with transformation and change, much like our health journeys in life. It’s all about that magical process of melding and evolving, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary – just like alchemy itself!
Tell us a bit about your program.
My Metabolic programs are tailored for women over 40, focusing on sustainable weight loss and vibrant health. I’ve designed it to work with the body’s natural rhythms, considering hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.
My programs include curated meal plans, tailored 15-minute ‘fat-burning’ exercise routines, yoga classes and stress management techniques, all easily accessible through my new App. More information can be found at my website.
What makes my approach different is the focus on rest-based weight loss and hormone balancing. I teach ladies to move away from the old ‘eat less, exercise more’ approach because, frankly, it often doesn’t work for women our age.
Instead, I emphasise strategic rest periods, smart nutrition choices, and efficient workouts that boost your metabolism without stressing your body.
My methodology is rooted in naturopathic principles, addressing the root causes of weight gain in mature women. I look at the whole picture – not just diet and exercise but also sleep quality, stress levels, and hormonal balance. My goal is to help women achieve lasting results and feel great in their bodies, without extreme measures or deprivation.
What has been the biggest opportunity and/or challenge so far?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced, which I share with many women over 40, is learning to slow down. We’ve been conditioned to believe that constant hustle and pushing ourselves to the limit is the key to success, especially when it comes to health and fitness.
Rewiring our mindset around rest and recovery, rather than the ‘go-go-go’ mentality we’re used to, has been a significant hurdle. For those who are fit and active, learning to exercise the smart way – with strategic intensity and adequate rest – is often the hardest part of our journeys.
However, this challenge has also presented the greatest opportunity. Embracing a rest-based approach has been incredibly rewarding. It’s opened up a new way of achieving health goals that’s more sustainable and fun. Who would say ‘No’ to a sauna and spa at the Eco Village instead of a workout, especially when it still helps your metabolism!
What is your number 1 hottest tip for women over 40 to start losing weight?
Rest more!!… Resting isn’t just about plonking yourself on the couch. It’s a mindful approach to well-being that goes beyond ‘doing nothing’. We’re talking about finding the balance – not over-exercising, not under-eating, but doing what’s just right for your body. This approach naturally creates more free time to enjoy life and family which incorporates rest. It’s about working smarter, not harder!
What do you love most about working on the Gold Coast?
The fact I get to enjoy a walk on the beach at Tugun with our dog each morning and say hello to all the locals before starting work.
What are your Gold Coast Favourites?
The Gold Coast has really stepped up its cuisine game over the last 4 years. Having moved back from Melbourne, I can honestly say, ‘Well done, Gold Coast!’ for the amazing new restaurants that have opened. It’s hard to pick just one for each, but I have to keep it local for this is where we eat out the most.
Café: ‘Costa Taco in Palm Beach –family-friendly and super tasty
Favourite restaurant: Rabbath Lebanese Bistro in Burleigh – a gorgeous French-Lebanese twist to their menu that is so fresh.
Bar: Our favourite Friday night date night is at our local Little Vine Room in Currumbin.
Beach: Currumbin – of course!
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Did I mention the Currumbin Eco Village? One of my favourite days off would be to have an infrared sauna and bath and dine on their amazing food all situated in nature. I also love gardening and you guessed it… going to the beach!
