Focusing on force, fitness, form and flexibility, ACTV Strength Co founders and directors Anthony Bartolo and Alastair Day are both the brains and the brawn behind this Gold Coast business. And this pair of professionals are no strangers to pain and performance.

Bartolo founded ACTV in 2017 after retiring from competitive sports, teaming up with Day, who is best known as a professional ironman winning the Coolangatta Gold nine times.

Southport Sharks VFL Assistant Coach Luke Kennelly bought into the business two years ago and is a fellow director.

“It is my absolute passion. I get to do something not everyone gets to do and that is to motivate people,” Bartolo said.

“It is not only a gym but where people come and have the best hour of their day and connect with a fitness community which is second-to-none.

“Me and Ali set it up because we had a desire to bring that community and culture together and mix it with a scientific program driven by results.”

ACTV members pull their weight

ACTV touts itself as a community of people who “strive to be better” under the mantra “we train hard”, “we train smart”, “we achieve together”.

“We wanted to bring our knowledge of what we did as athletes to a group training session and raise the standard,” Bartolo said.

“There are so many, many gyms and the true thing that sets us apart is our program and the time we put into every single individual that comes through the doors.

“People can choose their own journey at ACTV, we give them options.”

Heavy lifting ACTV style

ACTV employs 16 people at its Burleigh Heads headquarters and also has locations at Ashmore and Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, as well as Eltham in Victoria.

Bartolo said they currently had 800 members across all four studios including elite athletes, ironmen and rugby league players.

“Why do business on the Gold Coast? It’s iconic for health and fitness for a start,” he said.

“If you do the right thing with your business on the Gold Coast you will thrive in other destinations.”

In fact, ACTV’s plans for next year include expanding the franchise around the country.

“In 2024 we should be looking at five or six more studios Australia wide. In 2025/26 we hope to have more on the Gold Coast.

“City of Gold Coast has always been very supportive of our outdoor events and things we do outside the four walls of the gym.

“It’s so diverse who we can help. We are helping people to start a franchise which are riding a wonderful wave at the moment. If anyone is interested in opening an ACTV franchise, hit us up.”

Motivation is everything at ACTV

Bartolo also has form when it comes to establishing businesses including Magnolia Lane, Kami, Lucky Bao and The Gentleman Routine.

His advice for general success both in and out of the gym?

“You’ll never be disappointed as long as you put in the effort,” he said.

“On those days I don’t feel like showing up I still do no matter what and those are the days that matter the most.”