Experience the Fernwood difference

FERNWOOD Fitness, your local expert in women’s health and fitness, believes in a balanced lifestyle that includes an abundance of nourishment, exercise, wellness, good friends and self-love.

Fernwood is here to help all women, no matter their fitness level. It’s a unique community of inspirational women.

The goal is to empower women to shine in a relaxed atmosphere that ensures they feel comfortable, safe and secure in succeeding in achieving their health, fitness and wellness goals.

Established by Diana Williams in 1989, Fernwood was born from her interest in weight training and the physiological and metabolic impact it can have on the female body.

Lee Squire, the owner of Fernwood Ballarat, is one such woman who has gone from strength to strength since joining the national network in 2000 as a group fitness instructor. Lee will celebrate her 22nd year as the owner of Fernwood Ballarat in 2025, and it all began with her lifetime love of dance and movement.

“Driven by being accessible to any woman, Fernwood aims to empower women to shine in every way,” Lee said.

With more than 44 years of extensive fitness industry experience and 18 years in the corporate world, Fernwood Ballarat felt like a natural progression for Lee to become the new owner on 17 October 2003.

“What a journey it has been since 2003. So many moments and memories,” she said. “It’s true: It takes a village, and I am honoured, thankful, and filled with gratitude to have the support of my husband, Brian.”

In December 2022, Fernwood Ballarat relocated to Creswick Road and unveiled a new, purpose-built health club. The club supports women in achieving their fitness goals by offering customised health and fitness solutions based on their lifestyles and needs.

The club features a glamorous, sweeping, open staircase and modern, spacious facilities. It includes a dedicated 12-bed reformer Pilates studio offering personal training, Fernwood’s signature HIIT small group training program FIIT30, an Infrared sauna, a Hypoxi weight loss studio, and unlimited group fitness, cycle and wellness classes, including Les Mills, Zumba, boxing and yoga.

The fact that Fernwood is exclusively female creates an incredible feeling of calm and contentment – no comparisons, no egos – simply every woman working out together, having fun and supporting one another within a strong community where they can feel understood.

Women looking to kickstart their health and fitness journey are invited to celebrate International Women’s Day with an exclusive offer for a free five-day pass for two to Fernwood Ballarat.

Bring along a friend and get it all at Fernwood.