Hey legends!
Jacquie here, Boss Lady of Perth Happenings. One of my absolute favourite parts of chatting with local businesses is discovering their WHY.
Sure, we’re all in business to make money – DERRR!!! – but what really fires me up is when someone has genuine passion behind what they do.
You can see the energy, the excitement, the flashy socials… but I love diving deeper — finding the person and the purpose behind it all.
Recently, my personal trainer Robb from Thundering Body Concepts and I had one of those soul-level chats that just hit different.
As someone who also runs a business in the mental health space, I couldn’t not share this story with you.
And, while we’re in the thick of PRIDE month this November, it’s only fitting to spotlight a business that prides itself on being a safe space for everyone, regardless of their pronouns.
The Biggest Why: Moving Away from Pain, Toward Pleasure 😉
Robb said something that stuck with me —
“The biggest human motivator, our biggest why, is moving away from pain and toward pleasure.”
For him, that journey came from some seriously tough times.
“When I was younger, I went through severe body dysmorphia. I was extremely underweight, unhappy with my appearance, and relied too much on others to make me feel good about myself. That mindset took me to dark places — I got sick, then swung the other way into extreme bodybuilding, which also damaged my health. It was a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and deep depression.”
And honestly? I felt that.
Being new-ish to this whole influencer in front of the camera gig, (a “Perthonality if you will) I get how the ego works — and how sneaky, and nasty it can be. I totally resonated with his need for acceptance and validation from the outside world. I’m sure as you read this, you too can be remember back to a time when you hung on to someone else’s approval – even if it was just through your pimply teenage years!
From Pain to Purpose
“When we decided to open this gym, something incredible happened,” Robb told me. “One of our first clients, Chris — absolute legend — opened up during a podcast about the bullying and torment he went through in school. Hearing that broke me. I literally had to step away mid-conversation. But afterwards, we talked and came up with the idea to start something for the community — something that hadn’t been done before in Australia, or even the Southern Hemisphere.”
From that point, everything changed.
“When we opened our first location, I started to experience what I’d been missing my whole life — real connection, kindness, confidence, and genuine compliments. It honestly saved me. This community gave me the spark back that I’d lost.”
The Bears, the Cubs, and a Whole Lot of Love
The community he’s talking about? The Bears, Cubs, Otters, and Muscle Boys of the gay community.
You might think it’s a curious choice for a straight bloke to create a gym space primarily catering to the LGBTQIA+ community. But once you walk through those doors — trust me — it makes perfect sense.
It’s not just a gym. It’s a vibe. It’s inclusive, full of laughter, cheeky banter, and the kind of genuine connection that makes you forget you’re even working out (well, almost). It’s a safe space to show up as you, with zero judgement and 100% support.
Everyone Love Everyone
With a philosophy as simple as it is powerful — “Everybody Love Everybody” — ego gets left at the door, but humour and encouragement are mandatory.
The boutique group PT sessions are small and intimate, meaning everyone’s cheering each other on and building friendships not just muscles!
Robb and his team now run women’s-only classes, mixed sessions, and weekend open gym hours (no classes, just good tunes and full access).
It’s a space where anyone — LGBTQIA+ or ally — can come to move, grow, and heal. A place where those battling self-doubt or body image struggles can rebuild their confidence in a way that’s genuine and grounded.
And honestly? That’s the kind of safe space the world needs more of.
A Little Love from Me to You
If this story gave you goosebumps, made you smile, or just reminded you how powerful connection can be — go check out Thundering Body Concepts in Morley.
Follow their journey and see the community in action on Instagram They have regular catch ups, social events, and have so many more planned that I can’t wait to be a part of!
Message Robb to book a time to pop in for a session, a laugh, or just to soak up the good vibes (trust me, you’ll leave with a full heart and sore abs — from both sit ups and laughter).
Make sure you mention “Jacquie from Perth Happenings“ when you book, and your first session is on me!
Let’s keep celebrating the humans behind Perth’s businesses — the ones who lead with heart, purpose, and a little bit of cheek!
Everyone Love Everyone. Always. 💖