ABOUT US
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO 'CAIRNS BEST GYM’
In 2009, two mates, Patrick and Jesse, joined forces to create Cairns' first Kickboxing Fitness, Cross Training, and Personal Training facility at our Anderson Street location. With a small crew of about 10 regular clients in the beginning, many of whom are still with us today, we started with a timetable of 8 classes and worked hard to deliver the best group fitness classes possible.
With Patrick and Jesse both being active fighters, it was a natural progression to expand our timetable and offer Muay Thai classes. We expanded our studio, building Cairns' best Muay Thai facility, which included one of the only full-size boxing rings, a weights area, and group fitness areas.
As the years passed and our community grew, we were able to further expand our studio. We built a dedicated Cross Training area, allowing us to continue growing a community of individuals passionate about Muay Thai and fitness.
After years of hard work and dedication, in 2018 Patrick took over as the sole owner of the gym and in 2019, after 10 years of trading under the name Destination Fitness, Patrick gave the gym a facelift and rebranded the gym to DF.GYM.
We learned plenty of lessons through trial and error and, with the help of our amazing community, grew the gym into something we are very proud of today.
In 2022, we moved to our massive new facility, which allowed us to grow our community even bigger. The facility includes a recovery room with a sauna and ice bath, a personal training mezzanine, a members' area, three boxing rings, and ample space for our Muay Thai and Cross Training programs. We found our place as one of Cairns' largest fitness communities and one of its most successful Muay Thai gyms.
In 2023, we were proud to be awarded 'CAIRNS BEST GYM' and with a timetable of approximately 30 classes per week for everyone from kids to fitness enthusiasts to professional fighters, we love that we have created an environment that is inclusive for all our members and visitors. We strive to provide a welcoming space where everyone can train hard and enjoy hanging out with our crew.
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PUNCHIN' ABOVE
Patrick Doherty's DF Gym and Fight Academy at Manunda has been crowned Far North Queensland's best gym, as voted by Cairns Post readers. Picture: Brendan Radke
Cairns Post readers have declared DF Gym to be the best in the Far North with owner Patrick Doherty crediting its supportive family culture and dedicated staff for the win.
The Manunda based Muay Thai and CrossFit gym, which opened 14 years ago, is known for its group fitness classes for kids and adults and its professional Muay Thai coaching.
“There’s a real community right from the young ones all the way through to the professional fighters,” Mr Doherty said.
“The fighters help the kids, the kids go to the shows to support the fighters and then we’ve got a big crew of people just doing it for fun and fitness in between all of that.”
DF Gym and Fight Academy at Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke
Last year, DF Gym relocated to a custom designed training ground on English Street, just outside Cairns City.
“We were originally half the size, in a dirty old shed,” Mr Doherty said.
“When we opened the new place, it went bananas, our members doubled.
“It’s a nice clean Muay Thai gym with beautiful bathrooms, a sauna and ice bath and things that women want to come to just as much as the men.”
Mr Doherty said he felt his gym was a place for people to socialise and stay fit.
“This is that little place, whether it’s an hour before work or hour after work, to come and wind down from all of those stresses – no one cares where you come from or your story – it’s just a chance for you to relax, be you, then go home.”
The gym was named as Cairns’ best in a recent readers poll.
Excerpt Cairns Post: DF Gym in Munanda Names Best Gym in FNQ
