Christian van Zyl: Young Athlete Making His M...
We are genuinely proud of our rising young athlete, Christian van Zyl!
More space. More equipment. More freedom to train.
There is one thing we have been hearing and feeling for some time at Proactive Fitness.
We need more gym floor space.
After a lot of behind-the-scenes planning, creative thinking and looking carefully at how we can make better use of the space we already have, we are excited to announce Step One of our gym expansion project.
Our goal is to create an additional 100 square metres of usable gym floor space, with the work targeted for completion before 11 December 2026.
It is a big project, but we believe it will make a significant difference to the training experience for our members.
So, What Is Changing?
The current Dojo and Dance Studio area will be transformed into additional gym floor space.
Building preparation starts this coming weekend, with the existing walls around the Dojo and Dance Studio being carefully demolished and removed.
For safety, the construction area will be completely separated from the gym using a floor-to-ceiling temporary wooden screen, ensuring that our members can continue training safely while the work takes place.
We expect the building phase to take approximately two months.
Why Are We Consolidating the Two Studios?
We know some members may wonder why we are moving from two studios into one.
Quite simply, it makes sense.
We currently have two large studios, each around 100 square metres, which are only used for a limited number of hours each day. By consolidating our studio activities into one properly equipped, comfortable general-purpose studio, we can make much better use of the space we already have.
The result is more valuable gym floor space available to the majority of our members for the majority of the day.
That means more room to move, train and exercise, particularly during our busiest periods.
Importantly, we are not simply taking something away. We are finding a smarter way to use what we already have.
What Happens to Our Studio Classes?
The great news is that our studio programme will continue.
There may be a few minor timetable adjustments while we consolidate the studios, but our aim is to accommodate all of our existing classes.
Our incredible instructors and members may need to show a little flexibility and patience during the transition, but with some teamwork, we are confident we can make it work.
Please keep watching for any timetable changes, which will be announced shortly.
Martial Arts and Boxing
The Dojo equipment, including the tatami mats, weights and steps, will be moved into the current front Pilates Studio.
From Monday 12 October, the following martial arts classes will continue from the front studio:
• Karate
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Kenjitsu
• Our early bird boxing programme will also continue.
• Jacques' 5 am Box Fit classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays will remain in the front studio.
• His 17:00 Tuesday and Thursday Box Fit classes will temporarily take place outside under the Astro veranda, where we will set up the boxing bags.
It is a slightly different setup, but we are confident we can make it work.
What About Spin?
Spin continues as normal.
There will be no interruption to our advertised Spin classes.
The only temporary change will be the access route to and from the Spin Studio while the building work is underway.
We will use a side entrance route during the construction phase, which should be straightforward and will only be necessary for a maximum of around two months.
What About Our Existing Front Studio Classes?
Classes such as Pilates, Callanetics, Myofascial Release and ROM Sculpt will continue as usual.
There will only be a minor timetable adjustment to accommodate Annetta's popular Monday Workout, which will now start at 07:30 on Mondays.
Further timetable information will be shared shortly.
So What Are We Actually Creating?
This is the exciting part!
Once the walls have been removed and the building work is complete, the newly opened area will become a dedicated free weight training zone.
The platform will be built approximately half a metre higher than the existing gym floor, creating a distinct training area with its own identity and atmosphere.
We are planning to equip the new zone with additional benches, more dumbbells, expanded free weight equipment and a dedicated free weight training environment.
We will also install a smart black powder-coated perimeter railing to provide safe and clear separation around the area.
This will allow us to move much of our existing resistance equipment into the newly available space, freeing up valuable room across the main gym floor.
We will also be adding additional cardio equipment along the field facing window area.
The result should be a gym floor that feels less congested, better organised and much more functional.
And There Is More...
The consolidated studio will not simply be a bigger version of what we had before.
We plan to make it as comfortable, practical and versatile as possible.
One major improvement will be installing a proper air conditioning system, which will significantly reduce the heat during the upcoming summer months.
This is a win for both our staff and our members.
Step One of the Bigger Picture
Yes, we know this all seems to have happened quite suddenly, but after looking at the options, this is the most logical and least disruptive way we could find to create the additional space we need right now, particularly with the usual year end and summer rush approaching.
And this is only Step One.
Longer term, we will continue exploring options for expanding the facility even further, potentially including building above the existing structure but for now, our focus is on getting Step One right.
For the next couple of months, Proactive Fitness will essentially be working live while we build. That means there will inevitably be some temporary inconveniences, changes and challenges along the way. We are asking our members, trainers, instructors and staff for a little patience, understanding and tolerance while we work through the process. Our team will do everything possible to keep the gym operating safely and to minimise disruption - because at the end of it all, the goal is simple:
More space. Better flow. More equipment. More training opportunities.
And ultimately, a better Proactive Fitness experience for everyone. We will keep you updated throughout the project as things progress.
Thank you for your patience, support and continued loyalty.
Here is to the next chapter of Proactive Fitness.
Mathew Browne
Proactive Fitness
PROactive Fitness Hermanus is a gym and training centre at Hermanus Sports Club. Whether you enjoy an active lifestyle, want to get stronger, need to rid yourself of excess padding, or are on your way to becoming a competitive bodybuilder, nine personal trainers and three biokineticists are on hand ...
View ProfileXplorio is your local connection allowing you to find anything and everything about a town.
Read MoreWe are genuinely proud of our rising young athlete, Christian van Zyl!
Limited edition Bok shirts available from today
Tomorrow (18 September 2026), PROactive Fitness Hermanus is standing in solidarity with the South Africa Wear Black Campaign.
The newly formed Western Cape Bench Press Association will host its first competition on 14 November 2026.
Get ready for Saturday’s BIGGEST RIVALRY match!
Everything is green and gold at PROactive Fitness Hermanus!