Over the past couple of years, I’ve heard VAMOS Strength Training come up more and more in conversation. Not through big advertising or promotions — but through people. Friends. Locals. Neighbours. Usually along the lines of: “I’ve finally found something that works.”
I first spoke to Scott (founder and Curl Curl local) when VAMOS launched, and decided to check in ahead of their 2nd anniversary to see how things were going.
A different kind of training
VAMOS isn’t a typical gym. It’s not a group fitness class. It’s not personal training either. Instead, it’s best described as a personalised strength training system.
Each member trains in their own private workout space, following a structured program designed to build strength progressively over time with knowledgeable coaches always nearby to guide and support.
It’s calm. Focused. And noticeably free from the usual chaos and intimidation that can come with traditional gyms.
Why it’s working
I asked Scott what he set out to build. “Most people don’t struggle with exercise because they don’t care about their health,” he told me. “They struggle because the system around them doesn’t work, it’s impersonal, confusing, inconsistent, or intimidating. That’s especially true with strength training.”
The solution, he says, was simplicity: “People just need to show up twice a week, at times that suit them. We take care of the rest. The programming, the progression, the coaching. People are busy and juggling a lot, so we try to remove as many barriers as possible.”
That simplicity and convenience is clearly resonating. After two years, VAMOS Balgowlah has reached capacity with a growing waitlist of locals wanting to get started.
Real people, real progress
The members I spoke to all shared a similar experience. Many started as complete beginners. Others had tried gyms for years without finding consistency or achieving results. Now, they’re not only getting stronger but actually sticking with it.
The average age of the VAMOS athlete base is 51, with 65% female. Across more than 300 members, the average strength gain after the first 12 weeks is an impressive 33%, with many long-term members doubling their total strength over time.
For Scott, that’s what matters most: “Helping people get stronger for life is everything to us. We measure progress closely to make sure the training is working, but it’s the life benefits that matter most. More energy, fewer aches and pains, more confidence. And interestingly, a lot of people come in saying they hate training… and end up actually enjoying it.”
Something different is happening here
Reaching capacity in under two years is no small feat particularly in a crowded fitness market. But what stands out most isn’t just the equipment or the programming. It’s the experience. No noise. No confusion. No sense of being watched or judged. Just a clear plan, supportive coaching, and steady, measurable progress.
VAMOS doesn’t feel like it’s competing with traditional gyms. It feels like it’s solving a different problem altogether and building an incredible community at the same time. And judging by the number of locals quietly recommending it to each other, as well as its recent expansion into Mosman, this may only be the beginning…VAMOS!
Need to get stronger for life?
Visit vamosstrength.com or pop into Balgowlah’s Roseberry Street VAMOS HQ (directly under Aldi)