Which Gym Do You Think I Should Sign up?

bargainhunterrr17 on 08/03/2018 - 11:00

Hi Bargainers

I've only lived here in Melbourne for about 7 months. I'm looking at signing up for a gym membership.

Which gym do you think I should sign up?

I'm currently located in North East Melbourne (Mulgrave to be exact); but i work in the city.

wouldn't mind going to the gym in the CBD as I can go after work.

A medium to large sized gym would be nice, as I can imagine after hours will be hectic as all other workers in the CBD goes to the gym after work.. 6pm onwards.

Multiple machines and Free weights would be nice, sometimes it sucks waiting for a bench as some people hugs them all time.

thanks in advance!

Poll Options

  • 2
    Fitness First
  • 3
    Jetts
  • 6
    F45
  • 24
    Anytime Fitness
  • 29
    Other
Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • mysterytal on 08/03/2018 - 11:04
    +13

    The best way to answer your question is to ask for a free trial for a few days at each of the gym's you're considering. Most will give you that without too much of an issue to a prospective customer. You may need to pay a casual user fee if they don't.

    Try everything out and pick the one that best fits your needs and budget.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 01:46
      +1

      Or just train indefinitely on a merry-go-round of free trials across Melbourne.

  • steff on 08/03/2018 - 11:08
    +19

    North East Melbourne (Mulgrave to be exact)

    In what universe is Mulgrave North-East?

    • bargainhunterrr17 on 08/03/2018 - 11:23

      haha south east my bad.

      • steff on 08/03/2018 - 11:35

        :) Depending on where i Mulgrave you are, there's a Jetts in near Spaghetti Junction. Might make it a bit more convenient.

  • Cluelessness11 on 08/03/2018 - 11:08
    +1

    I am currently with F45 and LOVE it although a bit pricier than the other options. I've also been with Anytime Fitness and Fitness First previously and I like the equipment and culture more at Fitness First over Anytime Fitness, but hey that's me.

    Do free trials at them all first and then decide :)

    • bargainhunterrr17 on 08/03/2018 - 11:25

      I'm thinking of joing F45 due to its group workouts! I love doing group workouts as it motivates me to go harder at the gym.

      but again, the price is an issue, do you know by any chance if they deal with any 'bargaining' at all?

      cause some cheap gyms such as Jetts and Anytime fitness do.

      which F45 do you go to atm?

      • Cluelessness11 on 08/03/2018 - 13:04

        Don't think you can really "bargain" pricing, I signed up to F45 Kew prior to them opening, so got a special rate. Due to them being franchises pretty sure their head office sets a rate you have to or at least should be following, but try Springvale's ;).

      • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 01:51
        +2

        Take a look at the people doing group workouts then look at the people lifting heavy.

        Who do you want to look like?

  • Euphemistic on 08/03/2018 - 11:20
    +2

    Just get outside and walk/run.

    • Oz8argain on 08/03/2018 - 11:32
      +1

      I don't think you can get buff by walking and running..

      • khued on 08/03/2018 - 12:29
        +3

        walk/run outside; spot a car/truck, deadlift; carry on.

        • Oz8argain on 08/03/2018 - 13:40

          well, problems solved i guess..

      • Euphemistic on 08/03/2018 - 13:59
        +1

        Grab car wax and cloth when out running - you'll get buff.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 02:00

        I don't think you can get buff by walking and running..

        You can build a good physique with only your body and the floor. Access to a horizontal bar augments this. Google "prison workout".

        But gym equipment makes isolating muscles and adding resistance a lot easier.

  • altomic on 08/03/2018 - 11:21
    +3

    Jims Gymming

    • 87percent on 08/03/2018 - 11:40
      +1

      Jim's Jimming you mean?

      • Euphemistic on 08/03/2018 - 18:11
        +3

        Nah. Gyms Jimmying -> free entry.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 02:03

          Jimmying Gyms, free entry after dark.

  • oscargamer on 08/03/2018 - 11:21
    +1

    One that doesn't have a sign up charge and allows you to leave easily and without penalty.

    And one with hot chicks / blokes, whatever is your fancy.

    :)

    • 87percent on 08/03/2018 - 19:24

      I feel sorry for even slightly good looking girls at the gym

      • John Kimble on 08/03/2018 - 21:06

        Why?

        • 87percent on 08/03/2018 - 21:16

          At least at my gym, the girls get gawked at like they're the Mona Lisa at the Louvre

        • John Kimble on 08/03/2018 - 21:17
          -1

          @supasaiyan: I reckon a lot of them love the attention.

        • 87percent on 08/03/2018 - 22:10
          -2

          @John Kimble:

          Probably true. Saw a couple of girls the other day literally just standing in front of the mirror taking photos of themselves in various poses for about 20mins

        • TheOneWhoKnocks on 08/03/2018 - 22:39
          -2

          @supasaiyan: #bootyworkout #glutes #legday #🍑

        • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 02:05
          -2

          @John Kimble:

          I reckon a lot of them love the attention.

          Of course they do!

          Why else would they perform their whole workout with their tights wedged up there?

        • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 02:05
          +5

          @supasaiyan:

          Saw a couple of girls the other day literally just standing in front of the mirror taking photos of themselves in various poses for about 20mins

          Must've been thumb day.

        • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 13:32

          @Scrooge McDuck: Nice one. Only gym types will get that.

        • TheOneWhoKnocks on 11/03/2018 - 13:57
          -1

          @Scrooge McDuck: Some d#@khead got triggered and negged all the comments lel.

  • star-ggg on 08/03/2018 - 11:23
    +2

    Depends on what you want to do/get out of a gym.

    • bargainhunterrr17 on 08/03/2018 - 11:26

      looking at getting bigger and leaner.

      I'm currently 68KG, would love to be 75kgs with defined body! and just like to get back into fitness really.

      • star-ggg on 08/03/2018 - 12:57
        +4

        Assuming you don't drop body fat, 9kgs of muscle will take about 12 months to eventuate. At the most basic level you will require progressive overload, compound movements and regular frequency. So gym-wise I would look for one that has 1.25kg plates (although you could BYO these) 2.5kg minimum, bands and foam rollers for mobility work, lets you deadlift and 24hrs access for public holiday access.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 02:07
          +1

          Assuming you don't drop body fat, 9kgs of muscle will take about 12 months to eventuate.

          And how about 7 kg?

        • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 13:34
          +4

          @Scrooge McDuck: Education is important but lifting big weights is importanter.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 10/03/2018 - 00:37

          @4sure:

          I lift things up and put them down.

        • CV333 on 10/03/2018 - 02:26
          +1

          9kg in 12 months lol

        • nismo on 10/03/2018 - 16:58

          @CV333:

          9kg in 12 months

          Using only 1.25kg to 2.5kg plates!

          Where do I sign up? 😂

  • Oz8argain on 08/03/2018 - 11:35

    Fitness First is every where in the city, I go to Flinders, QV and Melb Central. It is busy between 5 - 7 but since the gym is large there're heaps of space. QV generally have more room and they have a large area dedicated to spats, deadlifts and cardio.

    signup for a free trial on their site. If you don't want them to call you back just block the number or say you moved / signed up to another gym

  • Diji1 on 08/03/2018 - 11:41
    +2

    Almost no one that joins a gym keeps going after 4 weeks. Therefore, assuming you have the insight to realise that you are like almost everyone, do not sign a contract.

    Jetts is one gym that does not have contracts, not sure about the others. They're also cheap relatively although they usually don't have facilities like pools and saunas if you want those.

    The dirty secret of the gym industry is that they charge people for 12 months using a contract and the people do not use the service for 11 months.

    • dcep on 08/03/2018 - 12:32

      "The dirty secret of the gym industry is that they charge people for 12 months using a contract and the people do not use the service for 11 months."

      Should blame themselves for signing up to 12 months contract while being a lazy fatass.

      • Diji1 on 08/03/2018 - 17:00
        +2

        Everybody believes they're using that 12 months when they sign the contract, 90% are out after 4 weeks because exercise sucks.

      • Black Brown Blue on 10/03/2018 - 06:17

        No. It’s the gyms way to make money regardless if you use the service for 1 month or 12 month. I would rather have a non contract or pay as you go style payment system.

        • dcep on 10/03/2018 - 11:53

          don't like contract ? don't sign up, simple as that.

          why signup contract and whinge for not going ?

          grow up & take some responsibility for own decision made !

    • star-ggg on 08/03/2018 - 13:01

      It's not the gym's fault if ppl stop going after 4 weeks

    • John Kimble on 08/03/2018 - 15:40

      So are you saying everyone at the gym has only been going for 4 weeks max? Crazy client turnover!

      • Diji1 on 08/03/2018 - 16:59

        Ten percent of people use the full 12 months.

    • nismo on 10/03/2018 - 17:01

      I signed up in December 2012 and still an active member (4 x p/week)

  • KaTst3R on 08/03/2018 - 11:55

    Rent an apartment in the CBD with a gym. Now you live close to work and there is a gym downstairs. Win win!

    • Scrooge McDuck on 09/03/2018 - 02:13

      Or just schtup someone who does.

  • spiff on 08/03/2018 - 12:06
    +4

    Hypertrophy/body building workouts fit your goal so F45 and other group classes which are centred around high intensity resistance/cardio training aren't right for you. High intensity workouts will get you leaner and fitter but not bigger. Fitness First/Goodlife/large Anytime Fitness have all the equipment you need. The only difference may be demographic and overall 'feel' which is why trying out various gyms is wise. As a PT I'm very skeptical of other PT's and would rather do my own research on how to do exercises, but no harm engaging one just to get started. Just make sure they've had personal experience in achieving what you want to achieve. Getting a PT session once a week (~$50) along with your gym membership (~$20/wk) would cost the same or a bit more than F45 (~$66/wk) FYI.

    You can definitely negotiate. Use the cheaper gym prices (Snap/Anytime Fitness) as a base. Refuse to pay any joining/sign up/upfront fee. These fees are just negotiating tools for them to reduce to make it appear you're getting a good deal. If you have a friend that's on a decent deal (lower than what's available to the general public) then do a free trial and if you're happy with the gym, request to match their deal.

    As others have said it's definitely important to do free trials and also try to avoid signing up to a plan unless you're truly committed to the cause.

    • bargainhunterrr17 on 08/03/2018 - 13:22

      Great awesome!

      I have actually been searching for reviews and such for F45 as my goal is trying to get bigger. I guess once I reached my ideal weight, that's when I should join F45..

      Regarding Anytime Fitness and Fitness first, (seems like you know what you're talking about hence why I'm asking you), which one do you reckon is better? In terms of facilities, equipment and friendly staff member?

      I have been to Anytime Fitness in the city, I think queen street? It's pretty small..

      knowing that Fitness First is a popular option, I pretty much just assumed that their gym will always be SUPER packed.

      • spiff on 08/03/2018 - 13:48
        +1

        I'm from Perth, not Melbourne, and have a Goodlife membership that allows me to access any Goodlife in Australia. In Melbourne I've been to the Goodlifes in Docklands and Prahran, both are really nice in terms of modern facilities and equipment.

        Fitness First/Goodlife will have better facilities and equipment overall, compared to Anytime. I have seen nice and new Anytime Fitness franchises as well, but I'm just speaking generally about Fitness First. This will be reflected in a higher price at FF. Staff member friendliness will vary, but being in the 'people' business they should all be friendly. The Cert 3 or 4 in personal training is not hard to attain, so what you should look for in a PT is their ability to explain and demonstrate how they have achieved what you are hoping to achieve.

        Best way to see if a gym is big enough is to go during the times you are most likely to go.

      • spiff on 08/03/2018 - 14:01
        +5

        Can I add a response to people saying you don't need a gym membership. I completely understand their sentiment because I've seen a lot of people lose the drive to maintain the effort. Paying for a membership and even showing up to a gym aren't going to get you results. It's all about the effort you put in when you're there. You can definitely get fitter by doing outdoor activities and doing body weight exercises, and this is a great start especially if you're coming from a sedentary lifestyle. However it requires more motivation to do workouts at home because there are many more distractions. The benefit of the gym is there are less distractions and a wider range of equipment which will allow you to train the compound movements and overload as a previous poster mentioned above.

        I find it takes at least 3 months of consistent effort to build a habit, so there are a couple of options. Sign up to a weekly or at the most, monthly gym membership (again, refuse to pay any once off up front costs!), and see how you go for 3 months. If you're pleased with your consistency and results, then you're set to keep going. Alternatively you can form your own exercise regime from jogging, pullups, chinups, and other body weight exercises for 3 months. This requires a lot more motivation and could really prove to yourself that you're committed, while also understanding that you will plateau from this type of workout quite quickly in terms of muscle growth. You could then reward yourself with a gym membership.

        For body weight exercises (and also every other exercise explanation and tips) there is no better video resource than Athlean-X. The only thing that is lacking from these free youtube videos is the programming aspect, which you could also research online or get from a PT.

        • FiDad on 08/03/2018 - 15:35
          +1

          +1 for mentioning Atlean x.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 12:07

    I purchased a total gym.

    Why?

    Endorsed by Chuck Norris. That's why.

  • DarthAntz on 08/03/2018 - 12:29

    You dont need gym membership, its against the ozbargain way. i.e. paying joining fees.

    Youtube a workout session, go for a run, buy a $20 xiaomi watch that counts steps (on sale), and get into a good routine of daily output. Run to the park and do chin-ups on the monkey bars.

    Having habit/routine will be much more effective than the guise that a subscription and membership will make you stronger and fitter.

    • Diji1 on 08/03/2018 - 17:03
      +1

      These people are foolish in that they believe they'll be exercising after 4 weeks when past behavior shows most of them won't be. Once again no one at all is saying "Oh yeah, I'll give up after 4 weeks" when they begin but this is what almost everyone does. A commitment to pay money for the remaining 11 months doesn't stop this occurring.

      • DarthAntz on 08/03/2018 - 17:12

        Gym's know that. They have an awesome business model.

      • spiff on 08/03/2018 - 17:43
        +2

        While the stats might be correct, that doesn't mean we should discourage people from the pursuit of fitness right?

  • nomoneynoproblems on 08/03/2018 - 12:34
    +1

    Dohertys imo, once you're done in the city you get access to the Dandenong gym on weekends.

  • Godric on 08/03/2018 - 13:30
    -1

    None

  • John Kimble on 08/03/2018 - 15:37
    +7

    Multiple machines and Free weights would be nice, sometimes it sucks waiting for a bench as some people hugs them all time.

    I hate it when people hug benches all the time! Why don't they hug me instead?

    • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 23:21

      I love a good hard bench to hold.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 13:37
      +4

      Maybe there are not that way inclined.

  • jjjaar on 08/03/2018 - 21:52

    I personally love the council owned gyms. Are there any near you?

  • lainey13 on 08/03/2018 - 22:05
    +1

    Everyone has trials, just give them all a go until you decide. You can last for several months without paying that way ;) I find the one that's the closest generally works… so long the barrier to attending is made as short as possible then that's a good start.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/03/2018 - 23:17

    Just get some Heavy Bubbles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PtOAnZxB8s

  • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 13:41

    I know you asked about gyms and have been bombarded with lots of 'expert advice'.
    I have been gym training for years and I maintain about a five day training rate, give or take a day here and there.
    However I also supplement my training with phone apps called "Runtastic".
    They have apps for all body areas and they are very effective.
    I use these when I am travelling for long periods away from home and it keeps me from dropping any gains I have made.

  • nimnomnimy on 09/03/2018 - 22:05

    Not sure if you know what North means or If your not sure where the CBD is (it's not black rock) in relation to mulgrave but I'd visit the local gyms and compare facilities then try negotiating with the ones that are viable on the price.

  • FittyFitty on 09/03/2018 - 22:41

    5 Star in Thommo is the is the bomb…

  • The General on 09/03/2018 - 23:23

    Genesis, top end of Lonsdale st.

    Large weights room.
    Lots of classes.
    Cardio room.
    No exit fees.
    No contracts.
    They generally throw in some personal training upon joining.

    Small fee to join up to to cover the admin costs of direct debit agency.

    https://www.genesisfitness.com.au/gym/vic/lonsdale-street-me…

  • Tasmaniac on 10/03/2018 - 00:38

    Anytime fitness are good if you travel.

  • Briefcase Mong on 10/03/2018 - 01:13

    There is an Anytime almost in every suburb now a days

  • Lucky13 on 10/03/2018 - 01:20
    +1

    10 free passes to YMCA gyms with the Active April promotion - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/357991

  • CV333 on 10/03/2018 - 02:28
    +1

    Been to around 50 gyms or more. Choose anytime imo.

    • Lucky13 on 13/03/2018 - 17:42

      Just wondering ballpark figure of costs for Anytime Fitness. Doesn't mention cost on website. Thanks :)

  • lawyerz on 10/03/2018 - 05:59
    +2

    Virgin. With the deal with AIA. ozb search it. $16/week, easily one of the best gyms in CBD (Collins St one), not the Bourke one.

    Pool. Rock climbing. Classes are great. Ask another member to refer you, there's a referral bonus that changes from time to time. I'm no longer a member as I wanted to save up for a house deposit but I have enjoyed my time there and won't hesitate to recommend for half price (16/week) but not at full price.

  • fozzie on 10/03/2018 - 08:36

    I am in Sydney (south) and my husband goes to plus Fitness 24/7 for 12.50 a week (just machines no classes). I go to my local family gym with classes and machines and signed an awesome deal at about $10.25 a week. We love going to the gym we don’t go all the time cos of work and kids, but I think the smaller gyms are the best and the cheapest.

  • djmm on 10/03/2018 - 08:36
    +1

    You go to the gym that has the hottest female members. Duh.

  • gimli on 10/03/2018 - 09:34

    Get some free weights. Home workout will save you $$$

  • Usernames on 10/03/2018 - 11:36

    Get You Are Your Own Gym app by Mark Lauren. I used to go to the gym but I’ve never been stronger than now, spending nothing. No equipment aside from table, chairs and home pull up bar. Multiple program options for all fitness levels.

  • donotuse on 10/03/2018 - 15:15

    If you aim for health and fitness there are free methods of keeping fit. The park is a good place to run and do other exercises. No need to spend time in an artificial gym environment and spend money on.

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