A Fresh Sense Of Soul

When she lost two of her best friends and her Mum in 2022, Soulhub Founder, Blythe Rowe, decided she had no time to waste. Inspired by her loss and her two beautiful daughters she created Soulhub Freshie, a vibrant new space built on wellness, community and love.

Located by the zebra crossing behind Harbord Kindergarten, a brand new vibe has been bubbling. Soulhub Freshie opened its doors on February 11, sparking a new destination for friendship and fitness. Unlike traditional gyms, Soulhub features luxe fit-outs and studios, a community kitchenette, infrared saunas and more – everything one needs to become a happier, healthier human. Beaches COVERED. caught up for a soulful chat with friendly Founder, Blythe.

Blythe, your studio is beautiful! What inspired you to open Soulhub Freshie?

I have always been passionate about my own fitness and wellbeing, but I never thought I‘d invest the time, energy or money into opening my own studio. I have zero experience in this field. My expertise is in people, culture and leadership, not in running a start-up wellbeing space. But last year the universe threw a lot of things my way which led me to opening Freshie’s newest, high-tech, luxe wellbeing space.

What was the turning point?

A franchise opportunity that I was invested in emotionally and financially didn’t pan out, creating two options for me. One, decide it wasn’t meant to be or two, bite the bullet and do it myself. My two teenage daughters said, “Mum, you know what you have to do”. Clearly, I took the latter option.

So we have your girls to thank for this!

Yes! My girls have been an integral part of this entire journey, from naming the business and branding ideas, to designing the space and assisting in daily operations. Teaching my girls business was a huge part of my motivation. Another factor was that in the space of three months last year, I lost two beautiful young friends as well as my biggest supporter, my Mum. This was the final catalyst I needed. We live once and life can be short. I wanted to create something really special; a space that would help inspire other people to live healthier and happier.

What classes and services do you offer to the community?

We have a variety of hubs so there’s something for everyone. Our two Soul Fitness Studios are high-tech, playful and cater for beginners to pilates junkies. We offer a variety of reformer classes from stretch, overall body sculpting and cardio-inspired amplified class plus barre and mat pilates. Our other hubs are dedicated to wellbeing. We have two large infrared saunas, LED light therapy for skin rejuvenation and zero gravity chair for relaxation, plus an automated spray tan machine.

“We live once and life can be short. I wanted to create something really special. A space that would help inspire other people to live healthier and happier.” BLYTHE

What else makes Soulhub Freshie so unique?

We are the anti-gym and we are ego-free. Our aim is to elevate others and not make people feel awkward as they walk through the doors. We are hassle-free as we recognise everyone is time poor and we value convenience, hence the fusion of fitness and wellbeing in one space. Finally, we are worry-free. We don’t lock people into sneaky contracts they can’t get out of. We offer flexibility and freedom to train the way that suits you and your lifestyle.

It really feels like a family here.

Yes! We designed the space so it feels like you are being welcomed into our home. We have a gorgeous communal kitchen area for our Soulmates; that’s what we fondly call our members to chill, chat, eat, connect or work in. This is also when the fun happens on a Friday night. But the real magic of Soulhub is our Soul Squad. Every single one of our Squad is dedicated to making our Soulmates’ visit the best part of their day.

Do you get many men working out at the studio?

Absolutely! One of our primary goals is to reframe the belief that pilates is just for chicks! Reformer improves core strength which helps with back issues and injuries. It’s also a great strategy to improve flexibility for tighter bodies, which men often need if they only focus on weight training.

You have recently launched a new teen program too!

Yes! As a mother of two beautiful teenage daughters, I am passionate about the health of all teenagers – physical and mental. There seems to be a growing trend with many teenagers to quit competitive sport, in their mid teens and undertake very little movement. The risk to a teenagers health, especially their mental health, is huge. We created a program specifically designed for teens to come together weekly in the school term to connect, move, laugh and have loads of fun in a safe, inclusive environment.

What can a client expect on their wellbeing journey at Soulhub Freshie?

The reason we get out of bed in the morning is to inspire healthier, happier humans! No two Soulmates’ experiences will be the same as everyone is on their own wellbeing journey. We are immensely proud we have created an environment where all souls, regardless of fitness or experience levels, feel like they can get value. Every one of our Soulmates should expect to feel a little bit healthier and happier when they leave. •