I'll start with the same thing I said in my review of the Fitzroy studio: I think it's tempting…read morewhen writing reviews of places like this to review the activity rather than the facilities and their suitability for that activity. That's not quite fair, though. Make no mistake, Bikram Yoga is not for everyone. It's hot. It's sweaty. And frankly, it's kind of gross. (Among other things, it has to be done in a carpeted room. (Carpeting with all that sweat??? Yeah. Kind of gross.) You can't really hold that against a Bikram studio, though. It'd be like rating a brewery based on its crappy wine list. Bottom line for the Richmond studio, as for Fitzroy: if Bikram is your thing, or you haven't ruled it out yet and want to give it a go, then this is a great studio. The Good: The main thing I prefer about this studio is that it tends to be less "sceney", and the students are a bit more polite about chatting before/after class. I also like that the lockers are free, and that the teachers (on average) tend to do a bit better about looking after new students and making corrections (though there are still those who are pretty slack in this department, something you'll find anywhere you practice). The Bad: My main gripes are that the heating/air system is pretty darn inconsistent, and the locker room a bit cramped (only three showers, there's usually a queue). I was also pretty unhappy when I bought a 50 class pass and wasn't told that there was a 20% off sale on passes in a few weeks, since I definitely would have held off and saved myself $100; if the owners were more of a presence, that might not have happened. That'd be another difference from the Fitzroy studio. I'll throw in my tidbit of first-timer advice here, too: go at least three times before deciding whether it's for you -- try not to judge right away. If I hadn't gotten that advice when I went the first time, I probably would have never gone back. The first time or two are the hardest because you don't know what the hell is going on and all you can think about is the heat. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. And do your very best to listen and follow the teacher's instructions.

All of my Bikram practice occurs at the Richmond studio. It has a really convenient location, close…read moreto trams and train (about a 10 minute walk). Some other reviews of the studio mention the carpet. A couple of months ago, the studio introduced carpets that don't absorb the moisture associated with the practice. I find that the studio doesn't maintain that mustiness as much as it used to. Given the popularity of the studio, it's facilities are quite small (2 bathroom stalls and 3 showers for the girls) and do struggle to cope with the influx of eager students. Lockers are free and there is free mat storage for regulars. Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday are definitely the busiest days, most likely repenting for the weekend but don't let that put you off. Bikram is tough work, but don't give up on the practice. The more you go, honestly the better you feel. Suitable for all skill levels it's quite a workout aided by the lovely (although you may not think it at the time) instructors. A fan.

I visit this studio regularly. The staff is friendly and helpful. They cater for all levels and…read morehelps you get strong and fit. It is a females only studio so its comfortable and safe environment to learn and enjoy a few giggles with girlfriends

I started Original bootcamp over a year ago with the intentions of only staying for a month or so…read more My first session was fun, and being already relatively fit I didn't find it too challenging. The next day however I was in a word of pain, every inch of me ached and groaned- and I thought I was fit! It's been a year of doing bootcamp twice a week for me, and even now- out of 5 sessions, 3 of them cause me to wake up with sore achy muscles. Bootcamp is a fantastic community, I train with Sarge Dave, Corporal Jono and Corporal steph and they are absolutely wonderful people. They know their stuff and are very motivational to be around. Every session at bootcamp is different; I have yet to repeat a single session out of my 100+ sessions. Bootcamp is held at either 6am or 6pm outdoors, rain, hail or shine. Although if it's bucketing down we usually go undercover and continue our workout there. Bootcamp is a community to me, it has been the best investment on my life. I have gained an immense amount of fitness, developed and toned muscles and made some great friends. I definitely recommend bootcamp to anyone looking to get their life back on track.

This is not a bad little pool and gym. It has three pools, a…read moremain pool, a childrens/leason pool and a hydrotherapy pool and an extensive gym class selection so there should be something for everyone. as far as the pool facilites go, these are great. Always reasonably clean, however they are better the earlier you get there (and there is always sand in the bottom of the pool for some reason) There is a little cafe out the front with the usual selection of things, the coffee is average and the rest of the food does look like it has been there for a while so I steered clear of it. It would be good if you just needed a sports drink or similar.

The Ascot Vale Sports & Fitness Centre is a really good value gym, in terms of cost. They have…read morevery decent concession prices for students and healthcare card holders, and they also have a family deal, where you get 20% off on your fortnightly charge if you bring a family member or friend to sign up (and they get the 20% off deal too). The gym has a 25 metre pool (with hydrotherapy pool, spa, sauna and steam room) and a decent selection of gym equipment. They also have a wide range of classes, including the standard ones like 'pump' and 'spin', but unfortunately not yoga. My only issue with the Ascot Vale Sports & Fitness Centre is hygene-related (which is something that I'm quite finicky about). The men's change room really stink by the end of the day. Also, the pool facilities are noticeably dirtier by the end of the day, than they are at the start (so make sure you wear thongs).

The relationship with my sessions at Fitlife was definitely a love/hate kind of a thing. I'd hate…read morethe night before each 6am session and dream about the pain I was going to endure. Upon waking up I would lecture myself about the benefits of bootcamp and nine times out of ten I would roll out of bed and somehow manage to drive my way there. After the session was over however, my feelings changed dramatically. The moment Tommy gave the sign to get a drink a smile the size of the equator would break out on my face. Who knew I was such an amazing athlete? The feeling of satisfaction at my efforts always tended to end up with some arrogant over-praise in my mind. But who really cares, right?! I got up at 6am and made it through an hour of exercise hell and I deserve to smile, dammit! I have done so many classes with Tommy that it's hard to remember them all. But I can definitely recommend his boxing sessions if you want to get trim, fast. He is a slave-driver but he gets results. I've also done his bootcamp program, which was just as hard, if not harder. This involved a variety of activities including running across the oval near the small training room. A rather difficult variation on this run was dragging a massive chain with us as a group - now that is something I never want to do again! At only $15 a session it is great value!

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!

Before 3 Point Training I had never been inside a gym before. I was always interested but felt very…read moreintimidated and overwhelmed. I decided to take the plunge when my local gym had a membership sale and I employed the services of 3 Point Training. I never thought I could get to where I am now. I am confident and comfortable being in the gym and love training. Matt is a excellent motivator and always helpful, encouraging and is extremely knowledgeable. I can't thank him enough, the training and support has been amazing and I can't recommend them higher.

It's a decent gym. Very large space, equipment fairly worn and no air conditioning. Just what a I…read moreneeded on a 36 degree day! It is quite apparent this gym is more tailored to those wanting to build muscle and in my time there today, the gym was dominated by men pumping their guns. Slightly intimidating, yes, but not at all off putting. There is plenty of equipment, especially weight machines. This takes up the majority of the gym. Personally I'm a fan of exercising using free weights and found this was quite limited. There is a good amount of cardio equipment available and a small cool down area in the back corner. The cost of membership seems decent and it's a 24/7 gym for members. Staffed hours are from 10am if you're casual. Overall a decent experience but this place needs air-conditioning and more staff on the ground. It was almost like it was expected you're just supposed to know what to do and if you're like me in a new gym it's daunting. I would recommend asking for a full tour if you plan on working out here and if you don't ask, you will be left to your own devices. Also, casual rates are way cheaper than the other gyms in the area so great if you plan to drop in on an ad hoc basis.

Great gym!!! Staff are very nice and welcoming and always make an effort to say hello, to assist in…read moreany way and will leave you inspired in some way. Staff also train and it is noticeable that they love what they do and are all happy to be there which has a huge impact on everything. When you sign up you'll get a gym tour and a program with a program run through so you know what to do when you start. Also, all the technology is modern so the touch screens on the cardio machines are really easy to navigate too. The gym itself has been recently renovated and all the equipment is new, smooth to use and shiny. The space smells and feels fresh every time and all the rooms and equipment are really clean and all areas well ventilated. There are pin-loaded machines, free weights, and a range of some of the latest cardio machines. This gym has something for everyone and is really well priced, especially for a 24/7 gym that can be used nationally. The reason I have put 4 stars, not 5 is because I really like group exercises classes and they don't have many here. Overall, the gym is great, not too big, not too small and has everything you need. Kind and motivated staff and on the whole, a good vibe. Happy to be a member here.