I find this place a little odd. Stumbling down Nicholson street late on a Saturday night, possibly…read moreslightly inebriated, I stumble passed the Spin Room and inside were around 30 people working their arses off on stationary bikes. It was 930pm... what the hell was going on?! The next day I went back curious to find out what went on at this place or whether I was just a lot drunker than I first thought. But sure enough, there was The Spin Room - a gym dedicated to stationary biking. I have always loved spin class at my local gym and decided to give it a whirl. Let me tell you, these guys will kick your arse and have you "seeing the light" by the end of the class. The instructors are so passionate about biking that it really makes you want to get out and spend money on a brand new mountain bike just so you can join them on their adventures. If biking is your thing, then you will love The Spin Room. But be warned: the classes are tough (or perhaps I'm just incredibly unfit.)

Great classes and also great instructors. Nice way to start…read more(or end) the day, especially when it's cold. A bonus is the lovely showers as they are quite warm and nice to use. It can also be quite easy to find parking nearby, depending on what time you arrive at. The bikes are good, especially if you get your bike set up well. The little computer on the front also helps you to improve as you go, with the help of the instructors.

For a council run community recreation centre, the Richmond Rec does not disappoint. Admittedly I…read morecan only comment on the pool facilities as this is all that I use the centre for at the moment. There is a beautifully clean 50m, 8 lane pool that is indoors & heated year round. The lap lane availability is conveniently accessible online and is updated weekly. There are always a mixture of lane speed allocations (fast, medium, slow and aqua play) to ensure that lap swimmers are not disturbed by those just "playing" or "paddling". There is also a sauna, spa and steam room available. The staff at reception are always warm and friendly. Overall, it's a great local pool for my swimming training! It should also be noted that there is a full gym with group classes and a children's pool for swimming lessons. There are plenty of change rooms, showers and toilets. Check it out if you are looking for a nice clean local pool this summer (or winter - it's heated so no excuses)!

One of the BEST community city run gyms I've been to. I always opt for these kind of gyms as I've…read morefound the staff really helpful, knowledgeable and genuinely friendly - This one fits the bill too!! The gym is well equipped with a large variety of machines, weights, balls and mats and many of each too. I rarely had to wait and if I asked (nicely!), other members would be willing to share too. Staff would always say hi and remind you to do reassessments. They were never pushy but motivating and empathetic. I have done at least 5 assessments there with multiple staff and they were all keen to listen and work with your skill level and goals. I've been at 6am, 3pm, 7pm and random days and staff are always welcoming and the members are 98% all friendly and non-judgemental too. I haven't been to the classes but there are tons to choose from but I've been to the pool a few times and I've always had a great swim with minimal people in the change room and maybe 1-2 other people in the swimming lanes. Nice whirlpool/spa area too that is open and relaxing. Easy to get to, fun contests to enter the more you go, tons of parking, helpful staff in the building if you have questions or need to suspend your license, cheapest yoga mat EVER ($15!!), multiple change rooms and community market every Saturday just outside the building too from 8am - 1pm :) While the price is much more than what I've paid at home in Vancouver, I think this was a great value for what I paid here - I would, and have already, recommend this fitness facility to anyone!