About us

At the age of 32, Mel joined a gym for the first time in her life and was immediately bitten by the fitness bug! Within a couple of years she became a qualified group fitness instructor, and a few years later opened Body & Soul in an old church hall on Bakery Hill, Ballarat.

Motivated by her passion for music and movement, Mel created Body & Soul in order to share the incredible, life-changing power of group fitness with as many people as she could.

Mel knew she had struck a chord in the Ballarat community, as Body & Soul quickly became the go-to destination for fun group fitness and non-intimidating gym workouts – a place where crop tops were banned and people of all ages, shapes and cultures were welcome.

After four years, Body & Soul outgrew its initial humble location and moved into its current premises, almost quadrupling in size. Today, the 1600m2 venue provides the Ballarat community with an inclusive, supportive fitness space where all are welcome. The club is now home to three group fitness studios and two large gym areas, and embraces the latest technology while maintaining a friendly, family culture. Mel and the team look forward to welcoming you to Genesis Health + Fitness, Body & Soul.