Where It All Began
At Rancan Sisters Fitness, we’re often asked, “Where did it all begin?”
So here it is — a snapshot of our journey, our legacy, and the passion that continues to drive everything we do today.
Four + Decades of Experience
We are proud to say we are among the most experienced fitness professionals in Australia.
For over 40 years, we have been educating, inspiring, and sharing our passion for health and fitness. Our philosophy has always been simple: fitness should be effective, sustainable, and fun — because if you don’t enjoy it, you won’t keep coming back.
The Early Days: Pioneers of Australian Fitness
Our story began in 1981, when we opened our very first aerobics studio — Cremorne Aerobics Studio — located where the Orpheum Theatre stands today. At the time, aerobics was completely new to Australia. We were often asked if we were running an “aerobatics” studio!
We were just 18 years old, with backgrounds in dance and Sport & Recreation studies at Macquarie University — this was before formal fitness qualifications even existed. We trained under a Canadian aerobics instructor and immediately fell in love with the format: a dynamic blend of jazz dance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness set to the latest music.
Since then, we’ve accumulated extensive qualifications across multiple disciplines — including Personal Training, Exercise Physiology, Pilates, Yoga, Power Plate, vibration training and more — but nothing compares to the knowledge gained from decades of hands-on experience.
Growth, Innovation & Media Recognition
Our classes quickly became the latest craze, and we expanded to larger premises in Neutral Bay. As the fitness boom took off, we introduced circuit training, weight lifting and cardio — importing cutting-edge equipment from the USA, often being the first in Australia to offer the latest innovations.
Our studios became the workout destination of choice for high-profile clients, including Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.
At the same time, we became household names through daily appearances on Channel 10’s Good Morning Australia, bringing aerobics to breakfast television in the latest gym fashion (yes — including g-string leotards!). Our media presence expanded to radio, magazines and fitness videos, including Australia’s first-ever Step Aerobics video.
We also opened our iconic gymwear boutique, “Gymwear Hits The Streets”, complete with fashion parades — and proudly became the first retailer to stock Lorna Jane when the brand was just starting out.
Experience That Goes Beyond Trends
Over the decades, we’ve seen every diet and fitness fad come and go. Back in 1981, people asked if aerobics was just a phase — but we could already see the life-changing benefits in our clients. We knew fitness was here to stay.
Today, our approach is grounded in real-world results, balance, and longevity. We understand busy lives, evolving bodies, and changing hormones — because we’ve lived it ourselves.
Adele is a wife and mother of two, deeply understanding the realities of post-natal fitness, family demands and time pressures. Lisa brings her own life experience, resilience and insight into managing relationships, business and wellbeing. Together, we offer empathy, wisdom and practical solutions — including how to navigate hormonal changes with confidence (and humour!).
Evolution Into Wellness & Community
In later years, our vision expanded beyond the traditional gym model into a more holistic wellness approach — integrating movement, mindset, nature and community. From harbour-side experiences like Yoga Kayak at Balmoral Beach to innovative group training concepts, we’ve always believed fitness should extend beyond four walls.
We’ve proudly led many Australian “firsts”, including:
Group Athletic Pilates Reformer
Barre classes
Power Plate and 27-minute Express sessions
Pilates + Spin and Barre + Spin combinations
Yoga Kayak at Balmoral Beach
Doga (Yoga with your dog)
Community fitness challenges, including 5km-a-day events
Innovation has always been part of our DNA.
Rancan Sisters Fitness — Today & Beyond
Today, Lisa and Adele each run their own independent businesses, with separate websites, schedules and offerings, allowing them to fully express their individual strengths and passions.
However, our shared history, values and vision remain deeply connected.
Rancan Sisters Fitness now exists as an umbrella brand — representing our combined legacy, collaborative projects, special events, education, and shared philosophy that fitness is a lifelong investment in both physical and mental wellbeing.
We continue to work together where it matters most — supporting, collaborating, and inspiring — while evolving individually in a modern fitness landscape.
Together, we design and deliver:
Signature fitness and wellness events
Wellness retreats (day retreats and destination-based experiences)
Corporate wellness programs
Motivational talks, panels and keynote presentations
These collaborations allow us to combine our decades of experience, energy and expertise to create powerful, inspiring experiences for communities, workplaces and organisations. Whether it’s movement-based events, lifestyle education or mindset-focused talks, our shared goal remains the same — to help people feel stronger, healthier and more connected.
Rancan Sisters Fitness is where our legacy, collaboration and future vision meet.
Still Moving Forward
Our journey continues, driven by the belief that movement is medicine, prevention is power, and fitness should enhance every stage of life.
We are the Rancan Sisters — the twins. While our paths have evolved, our passion has never changed.
And for those who’ve been with us since the ‘80s — or are just discovering us now — welcome to the next chapter.