Mode Studio

The Verdict

As a fitness professional myself, I don’t use the term “wellness revelation” lightly but here I am, extolling those exact virtues on Mode Studio. 

While technically a gym, in terms of aesthetic, it doesn’t look or feel like a gym at all (but you can bet it’s raised our already intensely high bar even higher). Where the fitness industry as a whole is forever on a mission to reinvent wellness with few managing to do so in ways that can be described as truly good for body and mind, founder Samantha Bluemel is slaying. 

At its core, Mode is part treadmill-based cardio and part strength/resistance training, similar to the overseas Barry’s Bootcamp franchise, just without BB’s sometimes overly frenetic energy. 

The studio fits 20 people and has 10 treadmills and 10 individual weight stations. Mode is split into four classes (or, delightfully, ‘modes’). Signature Mode is 50 minutes long and altnerates between treadmill and weighted or bodyweight movements. 

I swung by on a Friday lunchtime to try their Foundation Mode. Described as a less complex version of Signature Mode with slower transitions and a focus on foundational movements and more coaching time, this is the perfect place to start if you’re a newbie. It was led by Mode Master Trainer, Joash Fahitua, and whether it was an intentional flex or not (pun definitely intended), it sure felt like one. 

The pre-class studio tour and class intro (after being greeted by the adorable studio dog, Theo) were among the most relaxed that I’ve experienced but also the most thorough. When the class kicked off I felt empowered, I totally understood what was about to happen, and knew that my technique was going to be carefully monitored. And while I definitely got my sweat on, I didn’t feel destroyed at the end (perfect for a beginners class). 

There are currently two other class styles too—a punchier 30-minute session that’s predominantly (if not entirely) cardio-based and a 40-minute Recovery Mode which is made up of stretching, foam rolling and mobility. Personal training with Samantha is also available in a private gym room. 

Mahi complete, it was time to enter Restore Mode. Contrast therapy is popping up all over the show at the moment but I’m yet to step foot in a suite more beautiful than Mode. I practically skipped into the ice bath. That’s when it stopped being unicorns and rainbows (but that’s also the point). 

Can confirm: it’s fucking cold. Then again, what did I expect? It’s 5 degrees after all.

You can personalise your Restore Mode as you like, booking into a 45-minute infrared sauna or going for the 60-minute contrast therapy which invovles an ice bath and infrared sauna intervals—they recommend 20-24 minutes in the sauna and 30sec-5min in the bath. Shower in between for hygiene and, like, rainforest vibes. There’s space for a pal too—cute. Expect two towels each (the epitome of luxury, no?), electrolytes, a bluetooth speaker for the vibes and cute Everyday Conversation cards if you’re keen to get deep. 

Lastly, Mode is luxe in terms of experience, fit-out, and quality of instruction and workout but not cost. The team has just launched an epic all-in access membership priced at $75 per week for unlimited access to group training classes and sauna and/or contrast therapy, the ability to put your membership on hold, plus $20 or $30 add-ons if you’d like to bring a mate to Restore Mode. Stoked. 

Words: Alice Rich | Image credit: Mode, supplied 

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