From bootcamps in a park to hosting state-wide strongperson and powerlifting competitions, The Empire Bodyshop has built a huge following in Logan and it’s about to celebrate its 10th birthday.
Located in Logan Village, The Empire Bodyshop is a family business – run by husband-and-wife team, Emma and Simon Cobb and their two kids, JJ and Roxy.
The gym is a powerhouse in the fitness community, hosting an array of state-wide events, including strongman/women competitions, powerlifting competitions, The Empire Games and Mini Hulk Division events designed for kids under 8.
It didn’t start out that way though.
Empire’s very first location was a field in Logan Reserve, where the couple ran bootcamps.
“What started out as bootcamp in the park, then moving to a small studio shed on a property, saw us grow into what we thought was our forever home in 2020,” said Mrs and Mr Cobb.
With the support of their cliental, the couple moved into a bigger premises on Logan River Road in Beenleigh, but at the end of 2023 they were forced to move because of the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail Project – a development set for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Despite the challenges of moving, it made our niche clearer,” they said.
“We support the growth of humans developing their athlete mindset. Those who are destined for more plus want to tap into that.”
We meet “people where they were at, to help propel them into their next chapter.”
Strongman competitor, Daniel Callow said Empire was the reason he started competing.
“I fell in love with strongman hard and Empire was who got me into it, from my first ever comp win at Empires Grudge Match: Round 2 to the 2am coach calls and the support for all kinds of events – Emma and Simon and the empire crew we’re there to support, guide and cheer and I can’t imagine doing it any other way.”
In 2024, Empire hosted a Grudge Match Strongman/woman competition and received a Competition of the Year Award from Strength Smith Australia – a company who make specialised equipment for the sport helping to make it more accessible for juniors and beginners.
Founders of Strength Smith Australia and friends of the Empire crew, Curtis and Rebecca Smith said the atmosphere at Empire events is electric.
“It’s such a supportive environment and everyone cheers you on no matter what, it’s one in all in, home of the brave, when someone is in need Empire is there,” Mrs Smith said.
“The saying it takes a village – Empire is that village.”
The gym will celebrate their 10-year Anniversary in April.
