Scott Upston and his wife Tania arrived in Kyabram in April, expanding to a second location while maintaining the Benalla gymnasium where they first started in business.
After 35 years in gyms, Scott has developed an expanded his understanding of what people are looking for from their health and fitness experience.
“At the end of the day we are a business, but I want to be a business with a conscience,” he said.
“Before I first opened the gym I thought everyone had a membership to a gym. I now know that people can find it quite daunting.
“We have worked hard to de-mystify that image, so whether people are young of age or young of heart we have a space for them.
“It wasn’t until I opened the doors that I found I was actually in the minority.”
The army veteran of 21 years said he had changed his mindset in regard to health and fitness.
“I had to change my mindset. There are a number of experiences I’ve had in life that have shown me that I am in the minority when it comes to my view of health and fitness,” he said.
“That is why we do things the way we do at Primal Health.”
Scott said he had worked really hard to pivot the gym concept to make it a supportive environment.
“We work really hard to make it an enjoyable experience, for everyone,” he said.
“People have a lot of stuff going on in their lives. The goal is to have them leave the gym feeling a little bitter about themselves than when they walked in.
“Our goal it to deliver on this aim, not just say it.”
Scott said he enjoyed working in smaller communities, like Benalla and Kyabram.
“People still value customer service and I think we can make an impact,” he said.
Making a difference has been somewhat of a lifelong motto for the fitness professional, who has worked for may years training athletes with disabilities.
He coached at the Paralympic and Invictus games, including in Sydney where he coached the indoor rowing team.
Scott is already working in conjunction with Kyabram youth leader (and policeman) Mitchell Bull and his KyFit program.
“We do a number of programs like that in Benalla, working with everyone from disengaged youth to those who need assistance in the mental health space.
“The universe catches us on the other side,” he said.
Primal Health caters for everyone from primary schoolers to pensioners, from eight to 80 years of age.
Scott said the swim school allowed classes that targeted specific areas.
“We are setting people up for longevity. Our Grumpies program (for men over 50) is more about social connection and I hope we can create a healthier older generation in Kyabram,” he said.
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