The 2026 Snap Fitness APAC Summit on the Gold Coast brought together people who care deeply about wellbeing, not just in the physical sense, but in the mental and emotional sense too.
Over the three-day event, Mike King spoke with delegates from Snap Fitness Asia Pacific and Lift Brands about youth mental health, connection, resilience, and the role fitness communities can play in supporting people beyond the gym floor.
It was an important opportunity to talk about something we know to be true: physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing are deeply connected.
Why Fitness Communities Matter
For many people, gyms are more than places to exercise. They can be places of routine, confidence, belonging and support.
A regular class, a familiar face at reception, a trainer who notices when someone is not quite themselves, or a community that helps people feel part of something can all make a real difference.
That sense of connection matters, especially for young people.
When conversations about mental health happen in everyday spaces like gyms, they help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to speak up, check in on a mate, or reach out for support.
Conversations Around Resilience and Connection
Throughout the week, the summit created space for meaningful conversations about resilience, mindset and looking after one another.
Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw also shared lessons from his experiences, including the role of failure, growth and mindset in building resilience.
The conference also included a golf day in support of Gumboot Friday, bringing people together in a relaxed setting while helping raise awareness for youth mental health.
For us, it was encouraging to see so many people in the Snap Fitness community thinking about wellbeing in such a broad and practical way.
Thank You to Snap Fitness and Lift Brands
A huge thank you to Snap Fitness Asia Pacific and Lift Brands for having us, for supporting Gumboot Friday and for creating space for conversations that matter.
We are grateful to everyone who took the time to listen, connect and support the kaupapa.
When communities show up for young people, whether in schools, workplaces, sports clubs or gyms, it helps send a clear message:
You matter.
You are not alone.
And support is worth reaching for.
