Women building strength, confidence and connection

AT a time of year when many people assess their health and fitness needs, women who resist traditional gyms have a female-only option in Murwillumbah.

Misfits Training Club is celebrating its 10th year in business, having first been established by Lauren Budd as a small, casual outdoor boot camp with friends.

“I saw a real gap for a women’s only space that felt safe, supportive, and community-driven, and not intimidating like a typical gym,” Budd said.

“Ten years later, we’ve grown into a boutique studio that still holds onto that same sense of community and empowerment that we began with.

“Women often feel uncomfortable or judged in mixed gyms, and Misfits gives them a place to train confidently, surrounded by like-minded women.

“It’s a close-knit, inclusive community with small classes, caring coaches, and a strong focus on helping women feel comfortable in their bodies, no matter where they’re starting from.”

The Misfits studio attracts women from their 20s to their 60s and is welcoming to new mothers, women managing menopause, and those new to exercise.

“We cater for all fitness levels and every workout can be scaled to suit your goals,” Budd said.

“Our focus is on helping women build strength, confidence, and connection through movement.”

The new year is often a time of reflection and reassessment of health goals and habits. Budd’s advice to women considering returning to training or making changes to their regimen was to start with modest daily goals that they could regularly achieve.

“Start small and be consistent, that’s where real change happens,” she said.

“You don’t need to overhaul everything, just focus on simple, sustainable habits that fit your lifestyle.”

Whether a New Year’s resolution or a refresher of current training, Budd said keeping a few essential principles in mind would support renewed health and wellbeing in 2026.

“Just pick one or two healthy habits you can stick to and remember to move regularly. Even short workouts or walks count,” she said.

“Finding the type of exercise that you enjoy is important because when you enjoy it, you’ll stick with it. Strength training builds muscle, confidence, and long-term health, so lifting weights is important.

“Surround yourself with people who support and motivate you, and don’t forget to rest well; sleep and recovery are just as important as your workouts.”

For information, visit misfitstc.com