Run completely by former inmates, a new Parramatta gym is proving fitness has the power to turn people’s lives around.
In a world teeming with pilates, yoga classes and major gym chains, Confit Gym isn’t about fitness trends – it’s about giving people a second chance.
The not-for-profit social enterprise was founded by Parramatta local Joe Kwon, who, at 21-years-old, was sent to prison for nine years.
Now in his mid-30s, Kwon heads up a team of trainers, all of whom have either served time themselves or grown up in a family who has, to give back to the community.
“We wanted to change that perception that society has around giving people that are coming out of the justice system more opportunities,” Kwon told Parra News.
“I went in for directing a criminal syndicate, now I’m directing a social syndicate.”
And with the slogan ‘Train to be Free’, the team behind Confit Gym definitely aren’t shying away from their past.
In fact, they’re using their time in prison as motivation to help others stay on the straight and narrow, with the revenue raised through gym memberships redirected towards youth mentoring programs.
“That’s the reason that we started the gym, so that the revenue from the membership sales can be redirected back into the not-for-profit where we run mentoring programs for young people in the youth justice centres across New South Wales,” he said.
“[Clients] love coming here because they know they’re not just getting a great training session and working out in a really good facility, but that they know their money towards their membership is going towards something good.”
Split over two levels, the gym offers boxing, strength and conditioning classes, along with a wellness area that features infrared saunas, ice baths and compression recovery boots.
At the heart of the gym though, Kwon says, is community.
“We’re very inclusive and that’s what we’re all about, a lot of these guys have never had some sort of proper job before, but for them to be in that work environment where we’re very supportive and understanding, they learn quick as well and I guess they found some sort of purpose,” Kwon said.
“They know what they’re doing is having a huge impact in many people’s lives.”
Kwon is now hoping Parramatta will get on board with the gym’s mission to breakdown preconceived notions of inmate stereotypes.
“I want society to understand that sometimes these people are handed a bad card in life, it’s unfortunate, not many people understand that because they’ve never lived in that situation,” he added.
“We really want the community of Parramatta to support us in what we do, and not just support us but come in and get a really good workout. Get prison fit.”
Confit Gym is located at 12 Union Street, Parramatta.
To find out more about Confit Gym go to http://www.confitgym.com.au.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.