The Bondi fitness community is in an uproar! In a decision that has sparked local outrage, Waverley Council has removed all weights from the well-loved Bondi Park Fitness Station at the north end of the beach, citing issues of “public safety” and a general lack of proper gym etiquette.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the council expressed “concerns the site had become a public liability risk,” due to free weights wandering too freely.

This decision has left regulars in shock, particularly those who viewed the outdoor gym as a Bondi staple. “How can you have a gym without gym equipment?” questioned long-time attendee Joey Pamment, encapsulating the community’s collective disbelief to the SMH.

For locals, the station was never just about flaunting who could lift more; it was about community—a unique place where diverse individuals exercised side by side.

Another outdoor gym enthusiast, Jake Blundell, shared with Today, “They’re just wonderful people, and people love training. I see the same faces there all the time, helping each other, chatting, soaking up the sun, just embracing that Bondi lifestyle.”

However, not everyone is convinced by this narrative.

Local fitness trainer Vix Erber expressed to the SMH that the gym’s mojo dojo casa atmosphere was off-putting: “It’s really just a bro zone, full of testosterone, which is why many women prefer indoor gyms—unless you’re looking to meet a guy, it’s not a space you’d typically consider.”

Waverley Council clarifies that this move isn’t about opposing fitness gains. “Waverley Council [was] approached by the community with varying opinions regarding the hand-held free weights and equipment left on the ground or stored in the gardens at the outdoor gym and Bondi Beach,” a spokesperson informed PEDESTRIAN.TV in a statement.

It appears a resolution has been reached, with the council approving the use of a limited number of weights at a recent meeting, as long as they remain within the gym area (and aren’t left in nearby garden beds).

“Council will now update the signage to provide clear guidance to the community on this,” the spokesperson added.

Mayor Will Nemesh told P.TV that he has “achieved a balance” based on feedback from gym-goers and the broader community.

“Bondi Beach is a significant public space enjoyed by residents and visitors for a multitude of activities. We aim to support the use of the beach and park as much as possible while promoting health and fitness,” he stated.

“In the July Council motion, we have balanced the needs and concerns of both gym users and the general public.”

It seems that Bondi’s fitness enthusiasts and locals can finally find peace and exercise in harmony.

Lead image: Getty