We caught up with Tony to talk all things lifestyle, longevity, and why he thinks Kieser is a perfect fit for the Bay.
First things first, what is Kieser?
Kieser is a physiotherapy and strength training clinic thatcombines expert clinical care with personalised training programs using state-of-the-art, Swiss-engineered equipment. Designed for people of all ages, but especially effective for those 50+, Kieser focuses on building strength to prevent injury, support mobility, and help you keep doing the things you love. Each session is just 30 minutes, twice a week, with a tailored plan developed and supported by physiotherapists and exercise scientists. It’s strength training, backed by science.
Q. You’re a Glenelg local – what does the area mean to you, and what excites you about Kieser opening here?
TH: The Glenelg community means so much to me. It’s where I grew up, went to school, played footy and cricket, and even had one of my first jobs – working at the Commonwealth Bank on Jetty Road. I lived just around the corner on Moseley Street and played for the Glenelg Football Club from the age of nine through to senior level. The Club was central to the community and made you feel like part of something bigger.
Jetty Road is iconic, and I have great memories of places like The Holdy, The Broady, Bay Disco nights, Lennies, and New Year’s Eve at the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club. My all-time favourite restaurant is still the Glenelg BBQ Inn. The beach, Colley Reserve, the tram into the city; it’s such a vibrant, connected place. But more than anything, it’s the people who make Glenelg special.
Many of us have gone off to do different things, but we all seem to come back. That’s why I’m so thrilled about Kieser opening here.
It’s an opportunity for my friends, neighbours, and the broader community to access a unique strength training program designed to support active lifestyles.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your lifestyle? What do you enjoy doing to stay active?
TH: I’ve just turned 60, but staying active is still a huge part of my life. I spend half the year surfing in Bali and the other half mountain biking in Australia. A typical day in Bali includes 2–4 hours of surfing, a ride along the Kuta beachfront, and enjoying good coffee, fresh food, and the occasional Bintang after an afternoon surf.
When I’m back in Australia, I often head to Tasmania to ride the MTB trails in Derby and St Helens with my mate and ex-Hawks teammate, Darrin Pritchard. We’re planning a ride from the top of Tassie down to Hobart and are also entering the Cape to Cape MTB race in Margaret River later this year. Through all of this, Kieser’s strength training has been a key part of helping me maintain my physical capacity and support the demands of my activities
Q. How did you first get involved with Kieser, and what drew you to their approach?
TH: About ten years ago, I’d just started a new role at health fund GMHBA. On my first day, I met a colleague who had just completed the Melbourne Marathon. He told me that 12 months earlier, he had begun a personalised strength training program at Kieser which helped build the muscle capacity he needed to get back into running and eventually complete a marathon. That story really struck a chord. I was seeking a structured, science-backed approach to help support my own lifestyle. I was immediately drawn to Kieser’s methodology; the focus on targeted strength training and the use of consistent-load machines really appealed to me. It felt tailored, measurable, and sustainable.
Q. In what ways has Kieser helped support your ability to keep doing the things you love?
TH: What I’ve learned from my experience at Kieser is that building strength in a consistent and targeted way has helped me maintain the level of activity I enjoy. Whether it’s long sessions on a surfboard or hours on a mountain bike, I feel like I’ve been able to continue doing what I love with confidence and energy. The strength training program supports my body so I can stay mobile and independent, and keep saying yes to adventure.
Q. What stands out to you about the Kieser experience – whether it’s the environment, the team, or something else?
TH: For me, Kieser’s standout feature is their equipment – it’s Swiss-engineered and uses constant-load technology that allows people of all ages to build strength safely and effectively. Over the past decade, I’ve developed strength that underpins my lifestyle. Just as important is the professional support. Having qualified physiotherapists and exercise scientists on the floor means you’re getting expert guidance tailored to your goals.
It’s a really focused, efficient environment that’s all about building strength with purpose.
Q. Why do you think a Kieser studio in Glenelg will be a good fit for the local community – especially for those over 50?
TH: Glenelg is a really active, outdoorsy community. Every morning, you’ll see people walking, running, swimming – it’s a lifestyle that values movement. Kieser offers a way for locals to build and maintain the strength they need to continue enjoying these activities for the long haul.
For golfers, the targeted machines that support core strength and mobility will be especially welcome. Personally, I’m excited that so many people I know – friends, neighbours, teammates – will now
have access to this style of training right here at the Bay.
Q. For anyone curious but unsure, what would you say to someone considering giving Kieser a go?
TH: I’d say give it a try… you only need to commit to 30 minutes, twice a week. It’s a small investment of time for a big return in how you move and feel. If staying active and enjoying life on your terms is important to you, Kieser could be a great fit.
Q. Lastly, what are you most looking forward to once the Glenelg location opens its doors?
TH: Honestly, I’m just excited to have Kieser so close to home – and close to my mum’s place! I’ll be there every day I’m in town. More than that, I think it’s going to be a fantastic addition to the Glenelg community. It brings a fresh approach to strength, movement, and long-term wellbeing – and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact it has on the people I care about.
Find Kieser Glenleg at 595 Anzac Highway, Glenelg North and Kieser Norwood at Level 1/166 The Parade, Norwood. More information at kieser.com.au
