I'm struggling to purchase a new bike so I thought I'd join a gym. I've considered the big corporate gyms (e.g. Fitness First, Anytime etc.), and the multiple small warehouse gyms that dot my surrounding suburbs.
The warehouse gyms tend to be pretty expensive, but they do run group PT classes. We're talking in the vicinity of $50-65 per week.
The big corporate gyms seem to be cheaper and have way more facilities and classes, so it makes me wonder, why would anyone join a warehouse gym or F45-type gyms? What's it like there and what are the benefits?
What's it like to be working out in a warehouse gym?
Falconjack on 28/07/2020 - 19:38
Comments
I know that Anytime fitness don't have any benches to bench press if that helps. They don't want to scare off the ladies.
That depends entirely on the location. The Anytime Fitness I go to has multiple benches, and plenty of women (including myself) use them.
Really you mean a bench press bench ?
I've trained there in every state and Ive never seen a bench press bench. Just heard back from a manager yesterday who actually told me it was more because of safety.
bench press in the squat rack? :-)
I'm not saying you can't bench press, it's just that squat racks aren't designed for pressing. Sometimes the gym only has adjustable benches and you don't want the bench moving around when you're trying to lift.
should've put j/k in my comment :-)
and i do agree with you about squat racks not designed for bench pressing
Depends on what your goal is. The warehouse gyms you're talking about cater to those who generally want to lose weight and get "fitter". You also get much more structure in the programming and comradery which can help you be consistent. The workouts are usually HIIT routines and you may enjoy the variety and not having to think too much about what you're doing. Regular gyms can also run high intensity classes but it usually involves less variety, less equipment and less resistance (weight). More like an aerobics class. If your primary goals are hypertrophy and strength training then you're generally better off going to a regular gym and doing some online research for a program that suits those goals. There are some gyms which specialise in bodybuilding/powerlifting/weightlifting/calisthenics etc but as a beginner you're probably better off going to regular gym first and then see how you progress.
Derrimutt24/7 is a actual warehouse gym, membership is <$10 p/w
Loved it, no waiting for equipment and good vibe
Too bad theres not one locally for meWas at a AF, was ok but not many 'gym types' ya know
So much equipment at Derrimut - it’s awesome.
When I was there I got it for $300/year. Think they still go down to $400ish every so often.
Nitro gym is my favourite. warehouse and massive.
I found that there are definitely less people in the warehouse type gyms. If they're charging more than commercial gyms, then they probably are providing a service the commercial gyms are not. This could be smaller group classes, individualised programs etc.
If you're looking for a gym with a lot of different equipment available, then a warehouse gym is probably not for you. Also, temperature of a warehouse gym may vary as they most likely have no air conditioning and tend to be conductors of heat and cold. So expect very cold winter workouts and steamy hot summer workouts.
People who cannot motivate themselves and need help.
By "warehouse gyms" are you referring to group PT classes such as F45? These tend to be ~45 minute sessions of high intensity workouts (mostly body weight +/- sandbags, dumbells) that seem to be very popular these days.
There are true "warehouse gyms"such as Derrimut and Doherty's that are large scale gyms and they tend to be priced the same or even cheaper than the commercial gyms but aren't as widespread compared to ones like Anytime.
Doherty's and Derrimut definitely have alot more diverse equipment compared to commercial gyms. Just depends how you like to train: free-weights and strength equipment vs structured classes.
Warehouse gyms like Muscle City, Nitro, IronAddicts, Derimut etc etc.. offer cheap rates (often you can pay upfront for a serious reduction in price, especially when they have sales etc) as mentioned above and a range of equipment compared to the Conventional Gyms like Anytime etc.
Ive been a member at both styles, and the biggest anytime in Victoria (Dandenong North, which is the most warehouse style franchise/commercial gym) and can say its actually pretty similar, but the price difference was pretty significant if you are on a budget.
It seems to me that a lot of the warehouse gyms focus a bit more on Crossfit and community vibe. The big franchise gyms can get pretty busy around the peak hours to.
I know that Anytime fitness don't have any benches to bench press if that helps. They don't want to scare off the ladies.