About us
AN UNRIVALLED RANGE OF EQUIPMENT, SECOND-TO-NONE GROUP CLASSES, AND A NEW HIIT N RUN 24/7 WORKOUT ZONE
After 15 fantastic years operating as Ballarat Body & Soul, we made the decision to re-brand as Genesis Health and Fitness. By doing so, we are able to provide our treasured members with even higher levels of services, facilities and experiences than they have grown to expect from us.
This has been a major evolution for the club, and positions us to better serve our community into the future.
Body & Soul (BAS) has long been a pioneer within the fitness industry, having been established in 2003 by fitness influencer and innovator Mel Tempest. Over the years it has garnered a worldwide reputation for having been among the first independent health clubs in Australia to introduce gym-goers to training options such as:
- Netpulse in-club app
- Wexer virtual reality group fitness
- Les Mills virtual reality RPM classes
- MYZONE’s wearable heart rate system
- Mums & Bubs, Older Adults classes
- Over 50 Instructor-driven group fitness classes
- Uni Memberships

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR
MEL TEMPEST
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.

OUR TEAM
MEET YOUR NEW PARTNERS IN FITNESS!
Whatever your health and fitness goals, our diverse team of fitness professionals have the skills and experience to help you achieve them.

GARY BLOOD
Group fitness instructor

RICK DONAT
Group Fitness instructor

SAM HAMBROOKE
Frontline team member and Personal Trainer

Tylah Bruhn
Frontline team member and Personal Trainer

Larissa Kydd
Group Fitness Instructor

Shane Simpkin
Group Fitness Instructor

Tyler Frost
Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer

Sarah Rykers
Group fitness instructor

Sarah Barby
Frontline Team Member Cert 3 & 4 qualified

Erin Wicks
Yoga Fitness Instructor

KAY Drummond
Group Fitness Instructor

Troy Mullane
Personal Trainer

Pete Mullane
Group Fitness Instructor

Kim Lawlor
Simpkin - Group Fitness Instructor

Megan
Group Fitness Instructor

Stacey aggett
frontline team

salma elneklawy
Group Fitness Instructor

James Dean
Group Fitness Instructor
