The Brunswick pool is probably my overall least favourite of the clutch we have in the inner north,…read morebut that's not to say I don't like it. Pluses: It's in a prime location and is close to trains, trams, bike paths and there's plenty of parking; it is awesomely deep at the deep end, like five metres, so you get this crazy kind of claustrophobia when crossing the threshold from shallow to deep; it's pretty rustic and there are decidedly fewer poseurs and weirdos than the rest, though there can be a pretty annoying teen element that gets a bit wearisome. Minuses: Too may shit-brained teenagers; more expensive than Fitzroy and shitter resources; staff culture does not seem good, lots of blank expressions and general unhelpfulness. Overall it's a great asset for the area, but it could be a lot better.

Run by the YMCA, this community fitness facility is an affordable way for the whole family to keep…read morefit and healthy. The centre boasts a fully-equipped gymnasium with free weights, toning machines, stretching area with mats, exercise bikes, treadmills, steppers, rowers...the whole shebang. Friendly, professional trainers are always around to give you fitness advice and guidance. There is also workout room for group fitness classes like Zumba, yoga and pilates, and the well-known 'Body' range of classes (Pump, Balance, Attack). If jumping around isn't your thing, then perhaps you'll prefer a bit of splashing around in the indoor and outdoor pools. Afterwards, relax those tired (and perfectly toned) muscles in the sauna and spa area. Bliss. Take note though, the centre is undergoing major renovations at the moment and therefore pool and spa facilities are currently unavailable. It will be several more months before the new centre is revealed, but if the plans I've seen are anything to go by, it will be worth the wait. The centre's temporary address is 9 Phoenix Street, Brunswick, just behind the original building. Get updates on the progress of renovations on their Facebook page.

If you are after a great place to exercise, at a low cost, with a variety of group fitness classes…read morethis is the place for you. When I moved to the local area I was overwhelmed by the choice of gyms and fitness centres. I called around to compare offers and prices and decided on Yarra city council for the following reasons: - A variety of group classes are offered throughout the day, 7 days per week. - Low cost. The cost of a 20 session pass for a student works out just over $5 per session - Session passes can be used at all Yarra city leisure centres (Burnley, Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond). - Low commitment. There is no obligation to become a member. - Friendly community minded instructors. - Plenty of parking. While the interior of the leisure centre is not as modern colourful as newer fitness centres, the well maintained gardens add to the attraction of the centre.

I am a member of the Yarra Leisure Centres (Collingwood, Richmond and Fitzroy). You automatically…read moreget membership to all three centres when you join. Each has its own benefits. I primarily go for the pool and the Les Mills classes. Fitzroy - great outdoor 50m pool. Awesome atmosphere in summer, they even have DJs playing on Sunday afternoons during the summer months. We call it the "Fitzroy beach" because the vibe is so chill, and everyone comes out to play! Collingwood - new 50m indoor pool, and good group exercise class facilities. Richmond - the best and largest gym of the three. Good indoor 50m pool, with hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms. Most group exercise is in a great upstairs studio space. But beware classes held in the creche area, it's small and cramped, with no mirrors. I'm a big fan, love the flexibility of going to each centre and the Les Mills instructors are great.

Namaste! Bend and stretch your way to Kundalini House. It's for your own good…read more Yes, there's kundalini courses galore and they may or may not blow your mind. I wouldn't know. But I am a big fan of their hatha yoga classes, which are conducted in a small, peaceful room by a fantastic teacher. Perfect for getting your inner awareness going. For greater energizing, there is also hatha vinyasa yoga, and for ladies with babies, there are mums & bubs yoga and prenatal yoga. The casual classes are pretty pricey at $20 a pop, but you can get a cheaper rate by purchasing a 6-class pass for $108 or by attending the early morning classes as part of a course, which start at 6.30am. See you there. Not! That's way too early. The only thing I'm bending at that time of the morning are rules. If you prefer lying perfectly still to deep breathing and stretching your limbs, the health clinic here offers treatments like acupuncture, massage and hypnotherapy. Chant with me now...ommmmmmm.

Kundalini House is a great, friendly and graceful yoga studio. There's plenty of different…read moreteachers/styles from Hatha to Kundalini every day. Their introductory $49 for 1 month (unlimited class offer) is unlike any other in Melbourne. This really is the place to be!

Great new martial arts gym with brand new air conditioned facilities with some great gear for all…read moretypes of martial arts including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do and other Asian martial arts styles. Instructors Rob and Kacey have a wealth of self defence and martial arts experience to benefit experienced and new-to martial arts beginners.

Can't sleep? Why not go to the gym to work up that desire for a nap!…read more Found opposite Barkly Square - known for its concentration of deep fried foodery places - Doherty's Gym can often be found with a muscle-bound hulk-esque person moving through the doors. Because of this it took me quite a while to actually go in. a few laps past the windows to look in to see the equipment they have available and the membership prices. One night I couldn't sleep - one of the hot sticky nights that sleep just doesn't want to come - so I thought to myself that now is the best possible time to go and try it out. The gym layout is styled on those west coast US gyms you see in the movies. With more equipment than you can imagine - weight training, cardio fitness, boxing and more - I just wanted to run on the treadmill for a few hours. Afterwards the fully stocked Pro Shop for all your training supplement requirements,and what's better is the coffee shop found even closer than you'd expect. Now I guess I'll never sleep. The membership is not the cheapest if you're a "every now and then" kinda gym user but if it's a 4-6 day a week thing this is definitely for you.

Amazing gym. -it has all the equipment you need…read more -amazing staff and services. - it has a community/ family vibe to it. - direct debit is only $15 a week. -open 24 hours a day....every day. -has a room dedicated to boxing. Need more? Go in, check it out and say hello.

Ohana' means family or connections in Hawaii - nobody gets left behind or forgotten…read more So Ohana Yoga offers a safe non competitive environment staffed by highly experienced, empathic and knowledgeable teachers. Unlike some places it's not a circus here. It's not about what you wear, how gymnastic or acrobatic you are. You won't find any goats, bouncy castles, dangling yogi's or sweaty naked men being vibrated by a giant fridge compressor. Nobody instagrams savasana because by the end of class they've found that special calm place. But there might be really decadent cookies or brownies and tea after class and time to connect. And this welcoming community does offer more than just exercise - education for health, wellness, strength and healing, with an emphasis on self care via inner focus and relaxation. This is the heart of yoga, where the practice came from. And it's so good. Before discovering Ohana Yoga, I tried studios on the advice of my doctors to assist with chronic illness and injury. Some places made me feel like a loser, others were just all talk and didn't help. But speaking with Gena Kenny at Ohana I knew that I'd found a safe haven at her studio, with teachers who would respect the boundaries of my physical limitations and settle any related anxiety. Gena's a former fire fighter who's been practicing yoga for over 20 years. She's published a book, videos and runs retreats here, in Fiji and Hawaii. Her knowledge of physiology and advanced development of Restorative Yoga has been miraculous to my recovery. Her Yoga Nidra and Yoga Nada meditation classes with Tibetan singing bowls have returned me to better sleeping habits too. Ohana was the first studio in Melbourne to offer Yin Yoga classes with Jennifer Crescenzo, and I enjoy the variation that each teacher brings to it. Those long asanas seem to go deep into meditation. Classes fill up with a range of styles offered to suit beginner, active and advanced yogi; with age no barrier. There's Flow and Barre in the mix too and Feldenkrais is coming. If you can't get into a pose there are always options offered. I love that. The studio's modern and well maintained. Use the Mind Body app to book online or walk in early. Mats, blankets and props are provided - come before start time to set yourself up with what you need. In Winter it's hard to leave the tropical Hawaiian comfort created by the infrared heating. Regular workshops, teacher training and community events have created bonds of friendship and support networks amongst students and teachers, so there's an easy going and collaborative vibe in classes. I always leave feeling peaceful and grounded. Perhaps you'll try Ohana Yoga too - especially if like me you have felt awkward at other studios. And if you're a yoga teacher, Gena offers a special low rate for you to drop in for a class. And did I mention the membership is really reasonable? Check out the Aloha Pass, and we'll chat over a brownie.

Locked doors if you're late. Don't bother. Thanks for wasting my Saturday morning, Ohana Yogaread more

Bayfit Leisure is a gym complete with two large swimming pools. It has been renovated / remodelled…read morein the past couple of years, so has a nice, modern interior. The main gym room is large, with heaps of cardio equipment (I'd guess about 20 treadmills, a similar number of bikes / cross-trainers), stacks of pin-loaded equipment and a smaller free-weights area. It has a smallish stretching room adjoining the main gym, modern locker / change rooms with showers. Gym instructors are friendly and helpful. The pools are impressive, all indoor but with a lot of glass on either end of the building to provide plenty of natural light. The main pool is a 50m lap pool, the other is shallower and more suited to kids. There is a small steam room and spa / hot tub for gym users. The gym also includes a large aerobic room that hosts many spin and Les Mill's classes throughout the week. Cost-wise, you're looking at about $900 per year without special offers / discounts, which come along every so often. Overall I have been very impressed by this gym, one of the best in the area IMHO.

Boutique gyms,there are a lot springing up around the suburbs…read more My partner recently joined a new 24-hour gym just up the road and after raving about how fantastic it is, he convinced me to come with him and have a look around. I have to admit, it is really nice. Brand new cardio and weight machines, including a fair few cross trainers and treadmills; beautiful and clean bathrooms with hairdryers, and a high tech security system are just some of the features that Anytime Fitness boasts. We had a chat to one of the personal trainers about the benefits and limitations of joining a 24-hour gym and he managed to convince me that it was a really useful and practical way to get in your exercise if you are strapped for time. One particular example he gave us was about a new mother who woke up every morning at 3am because her baby was crying. Instead of lying around in bed or getting frustrated, she would come to the gym with her daughter and do a workout instead. The other benefit I thought worth mentioning was the security system. People training can wear a sort of necklace with a button that once pushed sends out an emergency call to the police and a private security firm.

Moved to a new location to a larger premise finally. Old place was a bit tight but new space is…read moreawesome and spacious... if you can find it. Still the same friendly crew focused on cleanliness. Best strength training facility across neighbouring suburbs. It's a hidden gem!