Pirates High Performance Gym

06/08/2026

Congratulations to Pirates Very own Henry Madini on becoming the New SA masters Box middle weight champ. We're very proud of you coach.

05/08/2026

Everyone seems to be blaming cortisol lately.

“Cortisol is why women can’t lose weight.”
“Cortisol is why strength training isn’t working.”

It’s become the answer to almost everything.

The problem is that it ignores how cortisol actually works.

Your body releases cortisol all the time. If work is stressful, cortisol goes up. If you’re sleep deprived, cortisol goes up. If you’re exercising, cortisol goes up.

That’s normal.

Every type of exercise increases cortisol while you’re training. That’s part of the body’s normal response to exercise—not a sign that your workout is “too stressful.”

Where I think the conversation goes wrong is that people focus on cortisol instead of everything else that actually determines your progress.

Are you eating enough to recover?

Are you getting enough protein?

Are you sleeping well?

Are you training consistently?

Is your overall stress high day after day?

Those things matter far more than the temporary increase in cortisol that happens during a workout.

Now, that’s not to say chronic stress isn’t a problem. Living under high stress for months or years can absolutely affect your health and make it harder to recover.

But saying women are gaining weight because they lifted weights and “spiked their cortisol” is an oversimplification of a much bigger picture.

Don’t let fear of cortisol stop you from strength training.

Build good habits. Recover well. Train consistently.

That’s what moves the needle.

03/08/2026

There’s a big conversation around women needing to eat more protein, and I think that’s a really good thing. Historically, it wasn’t talked about nearly enough in the fitness industry.

But I think there’s something just as important if not even more important that doesn’t get enough attention.

Women need to eat enough calories to recover from training.

What I see all the time is women start strength training, they get stronger, they see great progress, but eventually they hit a wall. Their fatigue stays high, their performance stalls, and they feel like they constantly have to stay in a calorie deficit just to maintain their physique.

The problem is that can lead to something called low energy availability. That’s when you’re simply not eating enough calories to support your training, recovery, and your body’s normal day-to-day functions.

Strength training is a stress. To adapt to that stress to build muscle, get stronger, and recover well you need enough energy.

So yes, keep prioritizing protein. But don’t forget that calories matter too.

I love that we’re encouraging more women to strength train. I just think we’re doing them a disservice if we don’t also tell them they need to eat enough food to recover, perform well, and actually get the full benefits of their training.

27/03/2026

16/02/2026

We’re excited to introduce our in-house chiropractor - Bernard - to the gym! 🙌

Whether you’re lifting heavy, training hard, or just dealing with everyday aches and tension, professional care is now right here where you train.
Move better, recover faster, and perform at your best - all under one roof. 💪

Give his page a follow -

Book your session today and give your body the support it deserves.

10/02/2026

Why pay commercial gym prices when you can get the same energy, expert support, and real results for so much less? 💪
Our membership rates are designed to keep fitness accessible, affordable, and community-driven - so you can focus on getting stronger, not spending more.

Join a gym that feels like home and start your journey with us today. 🔥 Find our sign up link in our bio or contact us today on [email protected]

22/01/2026

Our Gym isn’t just for heavy lifting! Here at our gym has been hard at work ensuring our mammas are feeling strong and confident enough to lift weights with the help of our expert trainers!

If you’re a mom who is looking to get stronger, fitter and healthier drop us a message and let’s get you into our gym so you can feel great in your own skin - as all moms should 🔥

Follow and to find out more on how you can get signed up and part of this incredible group of women!

16/01/2026

Hey Pirates Members, yes you! Did you know that you receive a discount on your gym membership fees when you sign up with us?

Whether you are getting ready for Comrades, hockey season or would just like to get fit and strong, look no further than our great facilities!

Hire a trainer, join with a friend or train by yourself, the options are all yours!

Sign up today with the link in our bio or feel free to pop into the gym and chat with any of our team members 🔥

05/12/2025

Please take note of our operational hours this December 🏴‍☠️

Kick start your New Year’s resolutions early by getting into the gym this month 💪🏼 If you are a member of our gym, bring a buddy along with you throughout at no cost to your mate!

17/11/2025

This BlackVember, we’re making fitness accessible for EVERYONE. 🖤

Enjoy 50% OFF your annual gym membership and join a community that trains, supports, and grows together. 💪

Ts&Cs apply