29 May 2020

Best gym in Canberra?

| johnboy
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So as you guys seem to like these things so much, which gyms are currently the best in town?

And what makes it so? Cost? Amenities? Staff? Classes? Location? Towels?

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justanotherchilli4:42 pm 27 Feb 12

Man, I’m genuinely trying to find a decent gym to join here. I live in Gungahlin so i’m thinking about Anytime Fitness. Thoughts?

I’m female by the way and I like working out in a mixed gym. I was too busy trying not to die to notice anyone looking at me. If you’re workout is leisurely enough so you can take a good look around to see who’s looking at you, then you’re not working hard enough.

Some of the guys at the gym were real good training buddies. And if you walk around the place and take a look, you’d notice everyone’s looking at each other. Male or female. I think it’s just something that happens at the gym. A human thing rather than a individual sex thing.

Results Gym at the Hellenic Club Widen because it is a quiet personal gym-No meat heads and professional staff helping you all the time. it is exclusive to 250 people and they have 50% off Personal Training fees at the moment.
Awesome trainers and I would recommend it to everyone.

I used to love riding to work in the morning at 6am, despite it being below zero and I would arrive (no exaggeration) with icicles in my beard.

If all the ACTION buses (read: all the buses I use) had the bike racks, I could basically banish the car to a few weekend trips.

tylersmayhem3:26 pm 29 Sep 08

…or, you guessed it (from me)ride to work. Save money, get fit and feel great!

Not fussed with power etc, just want to know that if/when sh1t hits the fan (Be it a personal emergency, family crisis, or domestic terrorism) that I will have the endurance to haul me and my loved ones arses out of the foray – hence my concentrating on aerobic rather than cosmetic.

I got an ugly head on me shoulders, no matter how much i sugar coat the rest – ill still have an ugly mug 🙂 so why bother 🙂

Skidbladnir said :

Danman said :

Soon after, there’s an escalating arms race which ends with small bummed women and steroid heads.

Real fitness bunnies don’t have small bums.

Im no beefcake – just got jack of paying an arm and a leg for petrol

Like someone said earlier – im still fat – but hey – at least im out there doin it.

Danman said :

Jakez – that post was over a year ago – no one starts doing reps with 20 keys an arm.

Haha sorry mate I didn’t notice and of course not. I didn’t mean you are weak, I meant I’m more of a compound exercise kind of guy. My priorities are; power/speed, endurance, strength, looks, in that order.

You and I have different priorities for different sports/lifestyle choices. It’s all good mate, I can dig it.

Danman said :

Done a 700Kcal set before work – probably be 1700Kcal total for the day by the time I get home.

This is roughly why people try to avoid the gym junkies.
A conversation of “Where can I find a cheap gym?” starts turning to “I’m more beefcake” and “Your bum still looks bigger than hers”.

Soon after, there’s an escalating arms race which ends with small bummed women and steroid heads.

Good time of year for fishing realityskin ?

I find gyms work for people who want them to work.

Personally, I cant justify paying someone to run me through the mill no better than I can myself.

I’m pretty cluey on nutrition and food science/chemistry as well (Was a component of my trade certificate and also very well self educated)

Done a 700Kcal set before work – probably be 1700Kcal total for the day by the time I get home.

Yikes. LOL @ Blathnat for reviving this ancient post.

I go to the gym in the complex where I work (Brindabella). $20 a fortnight which I think is pretty darn good compared to the $70 I used to pay for Fernwood. Rip off, sure. Was I grateful to have a safe place to exercise away from the many sleazy meatheads that seem to patronise a lot of local gyms near where I used to live? Absolutely. Nice guys will never understand. Its not about women thinking we are hotter than we are, or thinking that guys are disgusting and evil, its just that guys just like to look at women and it can make some women feel uncomfortable. Occasionally the staring becomes stronger behaviour, and women shouldnt have to feel vulnerable about stepping foot into an environment that is spposed to be motivating and supportive. Gyms werent taken away from men and given to women – new gyms were created. Men arent really losing anything by giving women that space. Having said that, I can see why some men might be narked off but its not a particularly strong argument because the vast majority of sexually predatory, or intimidating behaviour is targetted at women – “harmless oggling” included. I guess you have to pick your battles sometimes 😉

Anyhoo, enough of the political minefield. Im totally happy to work out here in the business park. Hardly anyone works out there in the mornings which means unlimited access to the cardio machines! There arent any classes but it doesnt really bother me. Lots of towels, freezing cold filtered water and big, clean change rooms 😀

Danman said :

Jakez – that post was over a year ago – no one starts doing reps with 20 keys an arm.

Up to 6 now then ? 😀

Jakez – that post was over a year ago – no one starts doing reps with 20 keys an arm.

Danman said :

what the ? My italics stuffed up……so anyway ill just say it here again

Still could run you around the block a few times though couldn’t I.

Considering I don’t even know who you are proves how confident I am in my own ability.

And dont try to veil an insult with a 😀

A sense of humour is free Danman.

Personally I wouldn’t know what to do with a 5kg dumbbell….pinky finger, prepare to feel the burn!

The ANU Gym is by far the best gym in Canberra (besides VG’s secret gym of pure awesomeness). It’s quite cheap, excellent range of equipment, but most importantly, the fantastic heavy weights room. Squat racks, and platforms, and olympic weights OH MY.

I work out at home these days. With a squat rack, barbell with free weights, treadmill, and the outside world (including a tree branch that is able to hold my fat body), I don’t need a gym membership.

I’m a big bloke and like the gym. I have to say though that the only time I’ve been looked at by every women in the room was when I inadvertently walked into the female change room at Lakeside Leisure Ctr by mistake.

There is no way you known that can walk out of that situation looking cool.

what the ? My italics stuffed up……so anyway ill just say it here again

Still could run you around the block a few times though couldn’t I.

Considering I don’t even know who you are proves how confident I am in my own ability.

And dont try to veil an insult with a 😀

all you need is a skipping rope a bike and 2x 5kg dumb bells.

Thats what I do -I get cardio/aerobic and resistance/free weights for core body strength.

I dont want big (mirror) muscles – I am happy with my strength as is.

everything else can be done with a hard surface and gravity.

But it hasn’t worked ? You’re still rather a tubby fkcu …. 😀

Still could run you around the block a few times though couldn’t I.

Considering I don’t even know who you are proves how confident I am in my own ability.

And dont try to veil an insult with a 😀

Kramer said :

Blathnat – way to drag one back from the ages. Anyway, I’ll bite (again)…

The best gym in Canberra is Stromlo Forest Park. Get yourself a mountain bike, preferably a nice heavy downhill (fun) bike, ride to the top of Stromlo, fang down the mountain, pick the bugs outta your grinning teeth, repeat.

I joined a gym. I go every monday, wednesday, friday. It allows me to shed the kilos that i want, and increase my body strength. I have a condition that prevents my body from completely absorbing fat into muscle. The gym ensures that I can carry my kids, and lower my fat overall. I eat a strict diet, and I have only 2 weaknesses – coca cola and smoking.

I also abseil, cave and rock climb. I prefer to climb on rock faces with overhangs – makes it far more interesting and allows me to enjoy myself. The pain i get at the gym is nothing in comparison to hanging by your hands on an overhang.

Blathnat – way to drag one back from the ages. Anyway, I’ll bite (again)…

The best gym in Canberra is Stromlo Forest Park. Get yourself a mountain bike, preferably a nice heavy downhill (fun) bike, ride to the top of Stromlo, fang down the mountain, pick the bugs outta your grinning teeth, repeat.

I am definitely of the non-masochistic variety and lean towards dancing and rollerskating …. I am hoping to eventually figure out how to rollerskate vertically.

What works for you thumper won’t work for everyone.

The non-masochist might get tonnes of exercise playing squash, wind-surfing and rock climbing.

Others like feeling they’re suffering and want to do the jogging and situps thing. To each their own I say.

VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy9:02 am 29 Sep 08

I used to go to the gym a lot, but now do only outdoor type walking running and body weight exercise, and I reckon I’m healthier for it. Plus it costs nothing.

Totally disagree.

If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle you need exercise which is actually fun to do.

That will vary from person to person.

And hey, some people like pain.

Danman said :

all you need is a skipping rope a bike and 2x 5kg dumb bells.

Thats what I do -I get cardio/aerobic and resistance/free weights for core body strength.

I dont want big (mirror) muscles – I am happy with my strength as is.

everything else can be done with a hard surface and gravity.

But it hasn’t worked ? You’re still rather a tubby fkcu …. 😀

Okay, since you turned this into a “why go to gyms, they’re pointless”, allow me to retort:

1) They’re indoors. For someone who can find an excuse in most weather to avoid going for a good long walk (“it’s too hot, it’s too cold, there’s a tiny cloud in the air which means there might be rain”) this is a good thing.
2) Instructors – I tend to do things like circuit classes and the occasional pump class.. simply cause I know I don’t have the discipline to go through a full hour of stuff at proper intensity…
3) Variety – yes, I could invest in $500 worth of equipment at home (except I live in a flat and don’t have a lot of room to store it) but I would probably get very bored very quickly with it. At the gym, there’s different stuff to stimulate my easily bored mind…

So… yep, most of this is cause I’m fully aware of my own tendency towards natural laziness… and gym membership, for me, at the moment, is knocking some of that on the head.

Not sure how a “best gym in canberra” question turned into a debate about the different sexes and their respective rights/foibles. Gyms in Canberra are expensive, with the cheap ones (UC/ANU) still being a few hundred a year, while places like Flames (incidentally burnt down a few weeks ago) was $40 a week or some bullshit. Ask yourself – why am I going to the gym? If its a matter of bulking up (as is the case for most men) then you’ll be lifting weights mostly. A good home gym or free weights/dumbell set will cost less than a year at a gym. If you want to get fit, then there are a thousand options that are cheaper than a gym. Ok, so you have friends who go – work out at home with them. The “beautiful people” go to the gym to be looked at, while the “fatties” dont want to go, because they’ll be seen. Seriously, buy the stuff and use it at home, and then use that $500 a year or more, and do something useful. Also, computers should come with breathalisers to prevent drunk knobs rambling…

vg – noted – tried and tested here as well 😛

Been looking around the house for it all morning. Found it on the bookshelf next to some old Miami Vice videos

Already got it, and I’m known as being someone far removed from the posteriors of my bosses……..but if you’re reading this boss….xoxoxox

pucker up those brown lips vg – here comes the promotion.

“vg, did they become masculinised in order to achieve a top position? Because there is research to show that in order for a woman to be at the top she must have a set of brass ones and act more like a man.”

No. What a load of shit. Both are married with kids they are devoted to, like any Mum. Call me an ass kisser if you like but, aside from the fact they are my bosses, both are lovely ladies. Neither of them needed to ‘grow balls’. God forbid they simply got the jobs because, during the selection process, they demonstrated that they were the best PERSON for the job.

What a load of feminazi bollocks!

LG – your a sweetie – I would have bitten my own head off 😛

Girlie voice rocks.

Danman: It’s ok, I’ll still do it in a girlie voice……..

Can’t wait to yell “I’m home! Where’s my dinner and will you shut that kid up?”

And maybe one day you can – when science finds a way for you to grow a set 😛

He’s not in the public service, so no paid leave for him! But that’s ok – he’s happy to be a stay-at-home-dad / Mr Mum type for a year. And when I earn twice as much, it makes sense. Can’t wait to yell “I’m home! Where’s my dinner and will you shut that kid up?”

LG, most collective agreements don’t specify who gets to take the mat leave – you might want to talk to HR about that one.

Hey Seepi, I don’t have a problem with feminisim, (I am a feminist, just not a feminazi). Hence, I believe in EQUAL rights. Not more rights, and not whinging about what happened in the past. The past was bad – we couldn’t vote, we couldn’t do anything much except have babies!

I think that the sexes should have a place they can go and be themselves, not worry about other sexes (whether it is sweating and looking awful in a womens only gym or swearing and telling sexist jokes in a mens club).

Obviously, we need maternity leave, and men don’t (at least, not until science finds a way for them to give birth) but I also think that if the woman doesn’t want to take mat leave, then paternity leave should be available. When my partner and I have a I child, I’ll only take 3 months off, and he will then take a year as he earns less than me. No, his won’t be paid mat leave, and perhaps that should be addressed, if not for the fact that mine WILL be paid. And as for super, to my knowledge employers give the same amount regardless of gender.

I know this sounds rambling, but basically I feel as though we are pretty much there as far as legal rights go. Some men see woman as a lower species, but as far as the law goes, we are now recognised. Dragging up what things USED to be like should only be used as a “look how far we’ve come!” not a “look what you bastards did to us”.

Any ideas on how to ensure equality for women – maternity leave praps, increased super – any of those questions?
(I’m trying to leave out the feminism word, cos it seems to offend you, but really I want to know what you think modern femminists should be aiming for).

The way forward? Well:

Sugar and spice and all things nice, that’s what girls are made of

Frogs and snails and puppy dogs tails, that’s what boys are made of.

Don’t go mixing that shit together?

Seriously though, I think if diff genders want to mix, they should, but if they don’t want to, they shouldn’t have to. We all had clubs at schools and that was ok, wasn’t it?

LG, really unwell and a bit silly today.

LG what do you see as the way forward?

LG, I’m only quoting fact re: masculine women. Read “Steel Magnolias in the Velvet Ghettos”. An interesting read and there is more.

The current Feminist movement is a poor reflection of the one that occured in the 20th Century.

Yep, that should be the other slogan of Fernwood – “Where you only get perved on by big hairy lezzos”.

VYBerlinaV8_now with_added_grunt11:16 am 08 Feb 07

What about lesbians? Will they be allowed?

I think you only allow lesbians in if they’re hot.

Instead of male and female only gyms, I should start a homosexual only gym.

That way, women can ensure that the men aren’t leering at them and you still get the extra revenue from not exluding all men.

We really have digressed on this one, haven’t we? 🙂

Back to the original subject….my API mag turned up yesterday & this month it includes a guide on what things to look for in a gym. I’ll write up a summary later from home.

> I must say men being jealous of rape crisis centres is a new one! You poor possums.

Men can’t be raped huh? Hmmmm…you may want to tell a few prison inmates of this good news!

Absent Diane8:50 am 08 Feb 07

no one can win. we are all fcked.

Nyssa, please stop giving us equal rights women a bad name. You are going WAAAY over the top, and the reason we are called Feminazis. Please stop, you are setting the movement back.

LG, who has no problem with Fernwood, and also wrote a letter of support to the club in Melbourne that won’t let women become full members or go in without a member, because sometimes guys just want to be guys, and they have a right to do it without women around.

JB that was subject to conditions. And how many women were “allowed” to vote for themselves? There are records where wives were “expected” to vote the same as their husband and most did as it was considered ridiculous that a woman would know anything about the political system. Don’t even get me started on Indigenous Austrailians.

vg, did they become masculinised in order to achieve a top position? Because there is research to show that in order for a woman to be at the top she must have a set of brass ones and act more like a man.

Not so much men being jealous of rape crisis centres, as men being annoyed that rape crisis centres aren’t set up for male victims of rape. In case you may not have noticed, rape isn’t entirely a gendered event…

Women only got the vote in 1970 in Switzerland, and still don’t have it in some countries.

Things have come a long way, but we haven’t arrived at equality yet.

I must say men being jealous of rape crisis centres is a new one! You poor possums.

Gyms, in my opinion (never having been in one) are for people on the make and people who want to show off their bods! There are far cheaper ways to get fit.

“It’s not even the 100th anniversary of women getting the vote. “

So what?

None of us were remotely close to being alive then, in fact neither were any of our parents. The issue is moot to any of us.

Mind you someone stole my lunch money in kindy. Maybe I should re-harbour the grudge and do something about it.

2 of the 3 most senior people in the ACT in my job are women. Point out where they were oppressed

1902 in Australia Nyssa.

behold the history

JB true but it isn’t 100 years in Australia yet.

justbands – women only gym – it’s a conspiracy.

Women oppressed by men – a fact. How do you know it doesn’t happen here?

Men have had it good for centuries, so move on. You’re “poor men” argument on a gym is baseless when you look at it from a world perspective.

If you want to look at women’s “superiority” in a negative perspective, look no further than the Family Court.

Now THAT is a reason to throw a hissy fit because men have been persecuted for years in that shithole.

So the fact that women are still being oppressed (& I don’t argue with that..& it’s a bad thing, just not in this country) is reason enough to do the same to men? Hmmmm…your logic astounds me.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking to oppress women…that’s just silly. I’m all for a world in which men & women are treated as equals. That ok you think?

Actually the centenary of universal suffrage was a couple of years ago.

justabands, it’s 7years into the 21st century, not 97.

It’s not even the 100th anniversary of women getting the vote.

Oh and if you want to pick about which century – women are still being oppressed in the 21st century.

Wake up to yourself.

Absent Diane4:18 pm 07 Feb 07

women smell nice than men.

Mael

Will there be a walk-in humidor?

If so sign me up

Well nyssa76, last time I checked…we live in the 21st century (as has already been mentioned) & we live in Australia, not somewhere else. So yeah…reality check right back at ya’.

My male only gym would cater for specific male tastes – in a similar way to Fernwood running YogaTiPilates sessions for pregnant members, Mud Pack Sessions and beauty therapy etc etc. Only the specific male tastes I would cater for are Cognac, Cigars, Leather Lounge Suites and ample copies of the Financial Times.

Relaxation and recuperation are an essential component of a complete gym workout – just ask Ferny.

I am also looking for sponsors, building space etc to kickstart the project – give me a holler if you are interested in a partnership.

I like getting ‘checked out’ on the very odd occasion that it happens.

“Oh and FYI it was only in the last century that women were allowed in pubs and the right to vote.”

Same old feminist rhetoric. Its the 21st century now so lets live in it. Plenty of arcahic laws have gone by the by.

Someone perves at your cans and you’re a militant. I get looked at in the gym all the time, probably a hell of a lot more thanm you. More for the amount I lift rather than how I look, but I live with it, it’s a gym FFS.

If it concerns you so buy some gym equipment and do it at home….oh thats right, you shouldn’t ‘have’ to. Well you don’t. Just stare back if their glances concern you so deeply.

Having said that I’m all for women’s gyms, pools, clubs, whatever.

Yeah, me too. As long as there’s ample ‘spectator space’…;-)

justabands, build a bridge and move on.

Women are still persecuted around the world and your bitching about Fernwood?

You need a reality check.

Oh and FYI it was only in the last century that women were allowed in pubs and the right to vote.

So kiss my arse.

Interesting that Fernwood stresses their women only policy in their TV ads. Nothing said about the quality of their gym service.

There are a fair chunk of places that women aren’t allowed to go, and groups they’re not allowed to join – although they’re less publicised than the groups that are women only.

Most obviously, you shouldn’t be seeing women in the men’s loo. And if you do, you can probably get them kicked out…

I don’t have a problem with the concept of Fernwood, although I would hope that the Rape Crisis Centre would help a male rape victim.

I suspect the reason there’s no male-only gyms has a lot more to do with demand than with illegality, the precedent set by Fernwood would apply.

Yes, those ads sh1t me to no end. The “silly daddy” ones, where the husband/father can’t even do simple tasks….arrrrggggg! Fine, portray women in a positive way…as it should be. DON’T portray men as idiots though!

Last time I checked they were still women only – although in disgust I haven’t bothered to check back as they are now an irrelevant organisation to me.

To further ratify the 2nd class status – how many tv ads have you seen lately where the male is portrayed as the intellectual or the money holder or the pants wearer of the family.

Even the Mortein ad where the guy is actually doing the proper and right thing, the following scene is of a disapproving all knowing mom and daughter.

I laugh at it because of who I am, although it concerns me because of the message it and other things portray.

Yes! Although I’d like to think I was welcome at the Rape Crisis Centre should I ever suffer rape…man or not. We need to be careful not to reverse the sexism that used to exist in mens favour. I think we are seriously at risk of creating a society where men are second class to women. I often get called crazy for these opinions. Mind you, women who said the same in the 70’s for womens rights were often dismissed as nutters also.

There are still men’s clubs around Australia – name one institution where females are barred entry not pending a legal challenge by femmo’s (not that I could find any at any rate).

On the other hand, from my avaliable platter of resources, I will hand you:

Fernwood
Womens Refuge
Rape Crisis Centres
Women only swimming sessions at ACT High Schools
Women only student facilities at ANU and CIT

“As a female I don’t want guys oogling my breasts and women who are overweight sure as hell don’t want the bullshit comments from men whilst they are trying to work out.

There are still men’s clubs around Australia. Do I give a shit? No.

Do I want to work out in peace? Yes. “

Hmmm…well, the issue here is not whether you give a shit about all mens clubs or not. It’s that I (& others it seems) ARE offended by and DO give a shit about Fernwood. That’s what discrimination is all about. I don’t see why it’s any different for men than women. Fact remains, if ONE female were to complain about an all male gym or some such, then it would be dragged through the courts & shut down. Men don’t have those options it seems. Hence, it offends me.

Thumper, don’t let Pendragon know you don’t know H2G2 !

(Lazy Link) H2G2 – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H2g2

It made you think though didn’t it?

el, gotta love “Big Daddy”.

Yeah Nyssa I think I may have flashed my balls once to the woman behind me in the aerobics class. Since then I have worn longer trousers.

You shouldn’t be ogling old man’s balls in the first place, hypocrite ;-D

vg, I’ve always had my breasts ogled at. Curse of being an “early bloomer”.

Pandy you aren’t evil.

Besides there’s nothing worse than seeing “old man’s balls” because a bloke can’t be bothered wearing undies when he works out.

This afternoon, and I used to race MTBs

Stuff the gym membership and buy a mountain bike – you’re living in Australia’s mountain bike mecca. When was the last time you finished a gym workout with a big silly grin on your dial?

And I’m not having a go at you Nyssa, as I have no idea of what you look like, but I’ve always found it funny that women who say they hate being ogled in a gym are generally women who will never be ogled, they’re not quite as attractive as they think they are.

If people are that concerned about comments in agym they should do what I do, crank up the band of your weightlifting choice (generally Rollins, RATM, old school AC/DC, QOTSA or Eagles of Death Metal) on your iPod shuffle and they all disappear.

Have lifted weights at most gyms in town. ANU was great for sports specific power training as you can throw weights around in a dedicated area. My current gym costs me $20/year. It is in a crappy location. The equipment isnt new. It can get quite warm in there but………I can lift heavy weights in peace. I never have to wait for equipment and bugger all people go there. I love it and happy to keep it a little secret

Nyssa I only oogle nice breats. So you’re safe.
(Said I was evil)

But funny thing is that even though I am straight, I do steal glances at men who are nicely “cut”.

As for Fernwood being sexist..

As a female I don’t want guys oogling my breasts and women who are overweight sure as hell don’t want the bullshit comments from men whilst they are trying to work out.

There are still men’s clubs around Australia. Do I give a shit? No.

Do I want to work out in peace? Yes.

Absent Diane7:21 pm 05 Feb 07

my issue with h2g2 is that i am not sure anyone will understand.. not that THGTTG really makes much sense.

Jeez, allthe cool nerds have been calling it H2G2 for the best part of a decade, get with the program fellas.

Fitness First in Deakin are running the Deakin gym really badly. They don’t clean the equipment down well, and they don’t insist that regulars use towels. I’ve used equipment straight after a hulking regular that was dripping with sweat. They won’t confront him about it – maybe because he’s on steroids and looks as though he would as soon thump the manager as look at him..

Yep, and we’ll love it!

West_Kambah_4eva3:13 pm 05 Feb 07

“My long term goal is to open a males only gym in response to Fernwood.

Comment by Maelinar — 5 February, 2007 @ 1:27 pm”

You DO realise exactly what kind of males will be attracted to said gym?

Pandy,

People will go where the best instructors and equipment are.

I have been a member at some of the gyms you mention, and elite is by far the best out of all of them.

I’m happy to pay a few extra dollars for the best. After all – if its going to keep me motivated and striving to achieve goals, its worth it.

I do not know how elite can survive. Prices are expensive. There is Fernwood and the Southern Cross nearby.

Mawson has a gym, so has Weston Creek and Deakin. There are two in Erindale.

I’ gonna call it the clit’n’dick. Can I say that. woops – just did.

haha! I do wonder how Fernwood get around Australias anti-discimination laws. I’m reasonably sure that if someone did start a chain of male only gyms that they would be shutdown pretty quickly as being illegal.

I am going to open the only hermaphrodite gym in canberra.

ANU is definitely good value. It’s not posh, but they’ve got all the essentials and have started to pack more cardio equipment into their designated room (getting a little cramped, but plenty of equipment to use). Good variety of users from the extremely fit to the New Year’s resolution crowd.

My long term goal is to open a males only gym in response to Fernwood.

I have *major* issues with Fernwood. F***ing sexist rubbish. “Oh, but girls need a place to go to a gym where they aren’t intimidated!”. Yeah, well…maybe I do too. Not an option for me though it seems, I have a penis.

I’ve been a member of Bodyworks for 3 months now and have never witnessed any ‘intimidating’ behaviour.

I’ve gone with a trainer instead of a gym..it’s cheaper & more focused. Depends what you are after though. I’m not looking to “bulk up”, just to get really fit…so the trainer works better for me.

all you need is a skipping rope a bike and 2x 5kg dumb bells.

Thats what I do -I get cardio/aerobic and resistance/free weights for core body strength.

I dont want big (mirror) muscles – I am happy with my strength as is.

everything else can be done with a hard surface and gravity.

I’m happy with ANu – not tht I’ve checked out others.

Their new prices for 2007 just came out – and including my SRA membership (you can just the sports assosciation if you’ve graduated from any uni in Australia) it’ll be $290 for the year for basic gym access (ie weights and cardio). If you’re into classes, the timetables aren’t that great if you’re not a student (lots at lunchtime), but if you work in town access would be easier for you. I think non-member gym-only was $400 for the year. $600 for combined gym and classes pass.

West_Kambah_4eva12:42 pm 05 Feb 07

If you can get you hands on some housebricks and a broom handle, you have instant gym at home. If you cant find bricks, buckets of water do well. You can increase the amount of water as you progress. I’ve done that since I was a child and now I’m bloody huge. So huge that the top of my shoulders meld into the back of my head with no discernable neck region.

I’m pretty happy with the UC gym. It’s extremely cheap (it must be close to being the cheapest in Canberra) and most of the equipment is in pretty good condition.

Hmm, should proof read.

“The environment wasn’t too intimidating” should be “The environment wasn’t intimidating”

Checked out Elite Physique the other day – http://www.elitephysique.com.au/ and I’m probably going to sign up. Its all state of the art equipment (i.e. in the cardio room all machines have their own TV’s) and the instructor to client ratio is very good. The environment wasn’t too intimidating either unlike some other gyms I’ve been to *cough* Bodyworks *cough*.

If you go to their website you can get a free 7 day membership if your keen at having a look.

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