State of Fitness

State of Fitness is an appointment-only personal training studio on Chapel Street in South Yarra, designed for adults who want structured coaching rather than the anonymity and noise of a conventional gym. Sessions are built around the individual, with programs adjusted as a member’s body, goals and circumstances change. The studio works with people seeking changes in body composition, strength and performance, improved health and longevity, or a considered return to movement after pain or injury.

The coaching model is deliberately hands-on. The team includes six exercise-science coaches, all employees, with university education in exercise and sports science either completed or underway. Coaches work across strength, rehabilitation and performance, and the whole team stays informed about each member’s program and history. That means members can generally train with the same coach or rotate across the team without starting from scratch. The environment is described as calm, private and ego-free, with sessions booked in advance and a coach ready when you arrive.

For people managing a back, knee or shoulder issue, State of Fitness begins with a movement assessment and a gradual rebuilding process, working alongside a physiotherapist, osteopath or GP where appropriate. New members can start with a free 15-minute call, followed by a complimentary 45–60-minute consultation and movement assessment. The studio also offers flexible weekly direct debit rather than lock-in contracts, with the option to pause, adjust or cancel with seven days’ notice. Its approach is ongoing and individual, rather than centred on short challenges or quick-fix promises.

The business began in 2020, when its founder, Dylan Jones, ran sessions in parks and over Zoom during Melbourne’s lockdowns. It later opened a small South Yarra space and grew largely through member referrals. Today, the team includes coaches with backgrounds ranging from elite athletics and strength coaching to exercise science and nutrition. State of Fitness is best suited to adults with busy lives who want consistent guidance, accountability and a long-term training routine. It may not suit someone looking for a large, anonymous gym, a boot-camp atmosphere or a rapid transformation program.