Chris Wilson Fitness Studio: Does this elite gym offering $585/week Platinum memberships belong in Perth?

A boutique fitness chain dubbed “Perth’s most exclusive gym” has sparked outrage online after it emerged one of its premium memberships costs almost as much as some families pay in rent per week. Chris Wilson Fitness Studio operates four centres in affluent neighbourhoods across the city, and offers several memberships rivalling the premium pricing of fitness fads Hyrox or Pilates. However, it’s the brand’s Platinum offering that has caused a stir, leaving some locals asking: who can actually afford this? Valued at a staggering $585 per week, the membership boasts a 20-strong list of benefits that comprises pricey dinners, limited edition merch, tailored nutrition plans, and unlimited classes. For context, CW Fitness Studio’s other more affordable Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold+ memberships are valued at $65, $75, $85, and $95 respectively. Users can cancel anytime, with no lock-in contracts. Local TikTokker Hannah Northcott questioned the relevance of the Platinum offering in Perth, asking followers: “Would you ever pay this?” The viral post has since garnered more than 100 comments, with many in disbelief over the steep price point and seemingly unmatched string of inclusions. “The real question is who in Perth is in a position to afford this,” one person asked. “I’m in Perth and that’s what I pay in rent in Inglewood. I could never afford that and its ridiculous,” another suggested. Others said such an offering would be better suited to the East Coast market. “In Melbourne these gyms are so normal that charge $500+ a week there is a market for it usually influencers, executives etc. but the dinner part is weird never heard of that,” one user added. Defending the brand, a member of the gym chain said the offer in question was not for everyone, but that the value and results were undeniable. “That membership is the top tier one! They have cheaper options keep in mind that in that package you get three personal training sessions weekly which is worth about $300 just on its own, there’s definitely a market for that kind of membership in areas like Nedlands and Applecross and South Perth where the studios are based,” they said. Founder Chris Wilson said the feedback to his wellness offering has been “fantastic”, and declared there is “absolutely” a market in WA for his premium services. Moving to Perth from Wales in 2012 “with about $50 in my pocket”, he launched his exclusive brand in 2021 after growing his client base in a smaller format. Positioned at the premium end of the fitness pyramid, he told The West his centres are tailored to those seeking a certain level of privacy and professionalism. “Our typical members are CEOs, business owners, directors, senior leaders, doctors, surgeons, lawyers and professionals who value their time and want expert coaching in a private environment,” Mr Wilson said. He revealed each of his four studios are capped at 75 members in the interest of protecting a sense of community by avoiding overcrowding. They have been designed to feel ”more like hospitality than a typical gym”. Mr Wilson said Perth has continued to become a global city, and with it, he has noticed a parallel growth in the wellness industry. “You can buy a coffee for $2 at a petrol station, or $7 at a premium café. You can buy a handbag for $80 or $30,000 at Louis Vuitton. Not everyone buys the Louis Vuitton bag — but it exists for the people who want it,” Mr Wilson said. That rationale has led the fitness entrepreneur to open boutique studios in neighbourhoods where the median weekly household income is into the thousands. Nedlands, Applecross, Highgate and South Perth is where you’ll find him. Appealing to a high-end demographic, he said his clients see the value. “We do have memberships starting around $65 per week, but many of our clients choose to invest significantly more because they combine memberships with personal training, programs, workshops and health services,” Mr Wilson said. “It’s not unusual for members to spend $300–$600 per week on their health across those services. Increasingly people are seeing that as a worthwhile investment.” Mr Wilson hopes to operate 10 studios by 2030. Chris Wilson Fitness Studio’s Platinum $585/week benefits 1. Unlimited Classes at Chris Wilson Fitness Studios 2. Unlimited Classes per week at Bodyscape or Energy Cntr Yoga 3. 2 x Dexa Scan at Azure Medical, Cottesloe (6 months apart - Optional) 4. 12 x Pilates Classes at a Pilates Studio of Choice 5. 1 x Weekly Coffee at Elixir or TOMS 6. 4 x Quarterly Nutrition Check-in 7. Tailored Nutrition Plan 8. 3 x 1-1 PT sessions per week (45 minutes) 9. 1 x Evening Meal for 2 people at Chez Pierre 10. Fortnightly Sauna at Bodyscape 11. 10% off Facials and Massages at Bodyscape 12. 25% off One and Only Retreats 13. A limited edition CWFS Merchandise Pack 14. Once per quarter Juice Cleanse delivered to your door (Pressed Earth) 15. Breakfast for 2 people at POST, COMO The Treasury 16. 1 x 90 minute Massage at Bodyscape 17. Priority booking for classes and PT 18. Bring a friend for free every month to a class of choice. Also enjoy the company of a family member or friend for a week of unlimited classes at either studio per month. 19. A food delivery for one week 20. Dinner for 2 people at Long Chim, COMO The Treasury