Firstly: Whoa…read more Secondly: Seriously. Whoa. Bodhi and Ride is a stunning new fitness centre in the heart of Port Melbourne specialising in Hot Yoga, Ride45 (spin class) and meditation. I popped in for a Ride45 this morning after being told "it's nothing like any spin class you've done before." Truer words were never spoken. I walked in to the 'Spin Chamber' and felt like I was in an epic Los Angeles nightclub. Impressive LED lighting, candles, thumping Beyonce and a bunch of gorgeous gals excited for what was ahead. You might think a Ride45 class is just going to be a great cardio workout plus a bit of action for your legs. WRONG. During the class we lifted weights, did tricep push-ups, an ab workout and even semi-squats all while pedalling our little hearts out. Yes, you will need to have some skill in multi-tasking. Throughout all this the music is so loud and practically coursing through your veins that you can't think about anything else - especially the fact that you've got sweat pouring down your face and you are pedalling so hard that you feel like you might take off. The instructor was so damn adorable that I want to be friends with her. She was charming, encouraging but not overbearing and pushy like so many instructors can be. I cannot recommend Bodhi and Ride enough. Simply gorgeous studios and motivating classes. They've definitely got a repeat customer out of me and I live on the other side of the city!

Okay, this place is mostly a cricket pitch, but in a way it does have some charm about it. The…read morereason being is that it is sort of built on a slope that goes down to the Yarra River. Well, it isn't quite built on a slope because playing cricket on a slope sort of doesn't really work all that well. Rather, they have flattened it out so that you can play cricket without the ball rolling down onto the road. Anyway, the thing I thought was cool was that it seems that the buildings have built into the side of the hill, something which I do think is rather cool actually. Yeah, it is a nice park, and there is some charm about it as well.

Whether or not you own a dog, Como Park is a really awesome spot to A) bring your dog for…read moreoff-the-lead runs or B) enjoy a day in the sun dog watching. It sounds a little looney but lots of other walkers/ park lovers come to Como Park to dog watch because it's really fun seeing how dogs of all breeds, sizes, shapes and colour get along and interact. Como Park has a long standing reputation for being a top park for dogs because it is set within an oval and even though it is not gated, the dogs have so much fun running free in the oval. And most times, all the dogs get a long well. It's also a great way to keep your dog socialised and give them a chance to exercise. For those that don't own dogs, you can watch the fun while getting some exercise and have your fair share of playing with the friendly dogs who love a good pat or scratch. (tip: try behind the ears for an instant best-friend reaction) Como Park also has a gated playground, bicycle path, barbecue area and ample space to kick the footy around, so the whole family can enjoy the outdoors. The park is also home to Stonnington's Carols by Candlelight each year.

Hands down the best dog park in Richmond. Beautiful open area surrounded by gorgeous trees & all…read morethe people & their dogs who go down there are simply fantastic. The council takes good care of the maintance work, always has fresh doggy bags ready to go & the grass is kept in beautiful condition all year round. We are pretty lucky to be a short 5min walk from this place & Thor is absolutely obsessed with the place.

I highly recommend this Karate Club. The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and…read morepassionate about helping students of all ages and skill levels reach their potential. The training environment is welcoming, supportive, and focused on both personal development and martial arts excellence. Classes are well-structured, challenging, and enjoyable, helping students build confidence, discipline, fitness, and self-defence skills. What stands out most is the strong sense of community and respect within the club. Everyone is encouraged to do their best.

The greatest MMA gym in Australia. You won't find a better group of coaches and the culture is…read moreamazing.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is the new up-and-coming way to keep fit…read more With MMA you can keep fit and learn a valuable skill, learn how to utilise your strength to your advantage in the form of martial arts. I have been doing MMA for a while now and have to say that its a great way to keep fit and keeps fitness entertaining. Absolute MMA & Conditioning is a large facility with over 130 square meters of mat and run classes for all kinds of people. Training classes in BJJ, MMA, Boxing, and Kickboxing are available but my favourite is MMAfit, it combines all the disciplines of MMA allowing you to keep it fun however dont think you're getting off that easy, you will feel the effects of MMAfit in the morning after! Ouch!

Oh Yarra Park, how I love you! Especially given that you are essentially my backyard (and more…read moreimportantly my little puppy Willis' too)! With your wide tree lined paths, playground by Jolimont Station, the Avenue of Legends bronze statues and the sporting mecca that is the MCG in your grounds, what's not to love? I love to walk my dog there most days and often head down for some sets of "stair runs" at the MCG! There are lots of off leash dog areas to let the fur children run riot for a while, and the council also provides lots of dog waste bags, so if you get caught out, you can still be a responsible dog owner. Even though this park is so close to the city it's pretty peaceful once you wander in. It's full of cars during footy matches so you have to avoid it at those times. But apart from that, it's a great local park to have!

Because I'm a bit of a local history nerd, I know far too much about this unassuming little reserve…read morein Carlton. In the 1800's, the houses in Macarthur Square were occupied by some of Carlton's most notable residents, including one of the leading developers of the suburb. Macarthur, like nearby Murchison Square was designed to be like the 'greens' of London, with rows of houses overlooking a park to give them a country feel, and were prestigious places to live. The small, long, narrow reserve running between Canning and Rathdowne Streets is close to the Carlton Gardens, but offers a far more peaceful picnic spot. Actually, you'll rarely find anyone at all in this little park. As such, the grass is lush and generally dog-poo free - quite a treat! At the Rathdowne Street end there's a drinking fountain and the bust of some notable local (I should know who it is - history nerd fail) but sadly no bathroom, although it's a quick dash to Lygon Court if you really have to go.

I believe that at one stage this used to be a factory. Well, not anymore because they have turned…read moreit into a park. Honestly, this is a pretty good use of old factory space, turning it into a park, and it is a pretty massive park as well, with quite a few facilities as well. The other great thing about it is that it is off the main roads, so it is also very quite. Lovely place for a wander.

Grass? Check! BBQ…read morefacilities? Check! Playing fields with nets and hoops? Check! Gravel running tracks? Check! Dog friendly? Check! Next to a skate park for hipsters in training? Check!