Getting Settled in Sydney - Choosing a Gym
Sydney prides itself on its fitness culture and has an abundance of gyms to suit all budgets and fitness styles. With so many different options available for staying fit, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of choice.
Let’s take a close look at a few of the main gyms:
Crunch - $
Crunch fitness gyms are larger facilities, though in much fewer locations
There are currently facilities in Alexandria, Rockdale, the CBD, Parramatta, Bankstown, Mortdale and Caringbah
Crunch offers a wide variety of cardio, weights and functional fitness equipment, as well as group classes. Most crunch gyms also have a sauna available in the changerooms and a cafe onsite
Memberships are on the cheaper side, although the gyms are not open 24/7
Anytime fitness - $$
With over 500 locations Australia wide, Anytime fitness offers the largest network of 24/7 gyms in Australia
The size of each franchise varies quite a lot, although all of them will have a variety of cardio and weights equipment as well as some functional fitness equipment.
Membership prices are quite affordable and after your one month probation period you will gain access to all clubs in Australia, though they only offer basic gym equipment and don’t provide extra facilities such as saunas or pools
World Gym - $$$
World gym offers large gyms with modern state-of-the-art equipment, an onsite cafe and supplement store and 24/7 access for members
Here you’ll find equipment that you won’t find in your standard gym - if you’re looking for a bodybuilding gym, you should definitely check them out
There are currently gyms open in the CBD, Moore Park, Chullora, Penrith, Northern Beaches, Granville, Prospect, Marconi and Marsden Park.
Fitness First $$$
Fitness first features state-of-the-art equipment, a variety of classes, and 24/7 access.
The gym floors have both weights and cardio equipment, and they offer classes for cross-training, spin cycle, boxing, pilates reformer and more.
There are over 30 locations throughout NSW, some with extra facilities such as a steam room and pool
Virgin Active - $$$$
Virgin Active is more of a health club than just a gym
Alongside the usual weights and cardio equipment, they have a variety of classes including cross-training, yoga, reformer pilates, boxing and spin, as well as extra facilities such as a sauna, spa and lap pool
Locations are at Bondi Junction, Zetland, Northern Beaches, Norwest, St Leonards, and Wynyard, Pitt St and Bligh St in the CBD
Memberships are on the more expensive side, though you receive access to a lot of premium facilities in exchange
Barry’s Bootcamp - $$$$
Barry’s Bootcamp features classes which combine weights and running for an intense workout in their red room (a dimly lit room featuring red lighting)
Currently there are only locations in Surry Hills, Martin Place and King’s Cross, though they are expanding rapidly
Both weekly memberships and class packages are available
F45 - $$$$
F45 merges three fitness training styles into one, creating a mix of circuit and HIIT style training with a strong sense of community
With over 100 locations in NSW, you’ll be sure to find one close to you
F45 is a bit more expensive, though you get the added bonus of support from your crew
