From Athlete to Wellness Advocate: Corey McKernan’s New Venture

Corey McKernan and The Reset Sanctuary

A New Era of Holistic Wellness

Corey McKernan isn’t just a former AFL player (for us Americans, that actually stands for Australian Football League, think rugby, but similarly different rules)—Corey is a man on a mission. And that mission? To redefine what it means to take care of both body and mind. Enter The Reset Sanctuary, his latest venture in Maroochydore, Queensland, designed to help people recharge, recover, and rebuild through ice baths, saunas, and relaxation spaces.

This isn’t just another fitness fad or a high-end spa gimmick to McKernan. It’s his direct response to the growing understanding that true wellness isn’t just about how much you lift or how many miles you run. It’s also about recovery. It’s also about mental clarity. It’s also bout resetting—something we all need in a world that never slows down.

As The Courier-Mail reported, The Reset Sanctuary isn’t just a place to unwind; it’s a hub for education and community, offering events and workshops aimed at helping people take control of their health in ways that go beyond the standard gym routine.

Why Holistic Wellness is on the Rise

Once upon a time, fitness was all about going harder, lifting heavier, and grinding non-stop. And honestly? I still believe in that. I’ll always push for heavier weights, more reps, and max effort—but that’s me. Your path might look different. Maybe it’s about more weight, or perhaps it’s about less weight and more recovery. Different goals, different strategies.

That’s where places like The Reset Sanctuary come in. It’s part of a much more significant shift in the fitness world—where the old-school “no pain, no gain” mindset is evolving into something more. The real question isn’t how hard you’re training—it’s whether you are actually healthy. If you’re constantly sore, mentally drained, and running on fumes, what’s the point?

And yeah, science backs this up. Recovery tools such as cold therapy (ice baths) reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. Sauna sessions improve circulation and boost cardiovascular health. This isn’t some fancy spa gimmick—it’s legit, and it works. The best part? It’s not just for pro athletes. Regular people grinding in the gym, at work, in life, finally have access to the tools they need to recover right.

Corey McKernan’s Transition from AFL to Wellness Advocate

McKernan knows firsthand what it’s like to push a body to its limits. After years in the AFL, he understood that longevity in fitness—and in life—requires more than just grinding through workouts. It requires rest, recovery, and a deeper connection to overall well-being.

That’s exactly why he founded The Reset Sanctuary. Not to just open another wellness center, but to change the conversation around health and fitness.

“I’ve always believed that mental and physical health should be treated as a priority. The Reset Sanctuary is about offering people a place to disconnect, heal, and feel their best,” ~Corey McKernan.

The Future of Wellness Spaces

Is this all just another wellness trend? or is it a shift in how people approach health?

Across the globe, more people are realizing that recovery and mental well-being aren’t luxuries—they’re non-negotiables. Whether you’re an athlete pushing limits, someone grinding through long workdays, or just trying to shake off constant fatigue, the need for spaces prioritizing both mind and body is more significant than ever.

Wellness tourism is booming, holistic health is no longer niche, and people are searching for alternative ways to feel good—not just fit. Places like The Reset Sanctuary are part of that shift, giving people real tools to recharge and rebuild. Because at the end of the day, health isn’t just about how hard you train—it’s also about how well you recover.

Stay Strong (and safe)!

~ Rob