Project Sparta

Project Sparta is a high performance training and conditioning facility set to open in Burleigh Heads. Catering for all levels of fitness and born out of a desire to 'train for change', 100% of Project Sparta's membership fees are donated to the charity, Project Futures. Some of the Gold Coast's biggest sporting names have already signed up as foundation members. Find out about this revolutionary new gym and its manager, Robert Darley.

About Project Sparta

What is Project Sparta?

Project Sparta is a social enterprise high performance conditioning facility with a cutting edge altitude training environment that caters for all levels of fitness.

How did Project Sparta, and the idea of a social enterpise gym, come about?

One of our sponsors is Synergy Fitness. A fitness equipment manufacturer also based right

here on the Gold Coast. Synergy CEO Leo Young has been a supporter of the charity

PROJECT FUTURES for some time, so a social enterprise gym seemed an obvious way of

generating some perpetual income for PROJECT FUTURES whilst raising awareness of

human trafficking and sex slavery both globally and locally.

How does Project Sparta manage to donate 100% of its membership fees to charity?

Every client makes a donation to PROJECT FUTURES and in return gains unlimited

access to the facility for 12 months. The capital expenditure and ongoing costs of the

facility are covered by Synergy Fitness who also support and cover the administration

cost of PROJECT FUTURES this way 100% of the revenue raised goes directly to the cause.

Do you think this concept will shake up the fitness industry?

Absolutely, the facility model and design with a high altitude training environment is more than just a gym it’s a high performance conditioning facility that caters for all levels of fitness. Exclusive to only 300 members. Every member gets the opportunity to train alongside world champions and celebrity ambassadors on the latest cutting edge equipment plus knowing that the revenue raised is going to make a real difference to venerable communities around the world.

The gym is an incredible space, tell us about the location and facilities?

We are at 151 West Burleigh Road next to 2Bkids. We have the latest cutting edge equipment from Synergy Fitness plus 2 altitude rooms, Olympic lifting platform and a rock wall.

You have some big name ambassadors. Can you tell us who they are and will they be training in gym alongside members?

Most of our ambassadors are also foundation members who regularly train at the facility. I don’t know of any other gym that has such a diverse group of world champions and professional athletes. From world wakeboard champions through to professional footballers, world surfing champions and cyclists. You never know, you could be training next to Robbie McEwen or Mick Fanning. Very motivational.

What sort of club atmosphere are you hoping to cultivate among Project Sparta members?

I would like the members to feel that this is their club, an exclusive club, not just for elite athletes but for anyone male or female who wants to improve their health and wellbeing or prepare for an event or challenge and all the time knowing that their membership fees are going directly to combat human trafficking and sex slavery.

If people cant afford the membership to Project Sparta, is there another way they can get involved with Project Futures?

Yes please visit www.projectfutures.com for more information about the cause. PROJECT FUTURES also run a campaign called STELLA FELLA which is a positive awareness raising campaign educating men and boys about making better choices and encouraging and recognising positive male role models in our community. Violence and exploitation against women is a growing concern in local communities and abroad. Human Trafficking is now the third largest organised criminal activity globally. Stella Fellas are men and boys who choose to stand up and say ‘NO‘ to these crimes.

How can people connect with Project Sparta? (website, facebook, instagram, etc)

Website: www.projectsparta.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Project-Sparta

Instagram: projectsparta

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-sparta

About you

Why did you want to manage Project Sparta?

My background is in health, fitness and health club management. For the past 8 years I have been working with simulated altitude technologies. Once the concept was explained to me and that the facility had two altitude rooms I didn’t need to be asked twice.

What is the best part about working at Project Sparta?

I’m like a child in a toy shop, so many new exercises and equipment to work with including concept prototypes yet to be launched, but honestly the best part is knowing the all the positive client results and fitness gains is also supported by the fact that we are making a difference to people’s lives and as our tag line suggest TRAIN FOR CHANGE

…..and the hardest?

The travel (commute) I live in the north of Brisbane.

What is your work/life background?

My sporting background is cycling. Formerly a British Track Squad Cyclist who has worked in the health and fitness industry for over 25 years. Specialising in Simulated Altitude Training I use my experience and knowledge to introduce altitude training to the fitness, health and wellbeing market as well as work with high performance teams and individuals through my company, Altitude First International. I am marred with 2 children and reside in the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional Tour de France cyclist

Who do you look up to? Who inspires you?

I love to hear stories about people who push themselves to the limit and achieve greatness through hard work and dogged determination. Top of my list would be explorer and novelist Sir Ranulph Fiennes

A typical day for you involves?

At the moment driving to Burleigh and dedicating as much time and effort as I can to make Project Sparta a success, then getting home in time to spend some quality family time.

When is your favourite time to train?

Late afternoon strength work in the Himalayan room

Cardio or strength training and why?

Both (most of my cardio is on the bike)

When your not working at Project Sparta, where would we find you?

At home with my family or out on the bike

Favourite place to visit on the Gold Coast?

Binna Burra or the national parks and hinterland

Favourite place to eat on the Gold Coast?

I was introduced to Barefoot Barista at Palm beach they do a wicked haloumi

salad and the coffee is good too

Favourite coffee/juice shop on the Gold Coast?