Anytime Fitness, one of Gungahlin’s most recommended gyms. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Joining a gym can have many benefits. It’s a convenient way to improve your fitness and overall wellbeing. It’s a great way to learn new fitness regimens and make new friends. A gym membership can also save you from buying expensive equipment for working out at home.
Choosing a supportive and motivating gym can be challenging, however, with so many factors to think about.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a gym, and share where to find the best in Gungahlin.
What makes a great gym?
Choosing the right gym can give you confidence that you’ll be able to fast-track your fitness goals in a safe environment. But with so many types on the market, and so many memberships to ponder, it can be overwhelming to decide what option is best for your fitness level and fitness needs.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a gym in Gungahlin:
- Quality equipment. The equipment in a gym can make or break your exercise routine. The best gyms in Gungahlin have a wide range of top-quality and well-maintained equipment. This enables them to cater to all interests and fitness levels.
- Affordable and flexible. To be motivated to go to the gym regularly, you’ll want an affordable and flexible membership. That’s a membership that suits your needs. Consider factors such as opening hours, types of classes, price, and access to amenities like a pool and sauna.
- Membership value. You’ll want to assess several factors when choosing a gym, beyond price. This will get you the best membership value. Ask whether the gym has a sense of community. What services does it provide? What amenities does it offer?
- Staff knowledge. Check staff qualifications, credentials and experience. This will give you confidence that staff can answer your questions or help you with equipment and exercises.
- Community spirit. Choose a gym with a great sense of community. That’s an inspirational and motivating gym. Chances are you’ll head to the gym more often if it’s a welcoming, comfortable space in which to work out.
The best gyms in Gungahlin
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Ascend Health and Fitness
Ascend Health and Fitness is a 24-hour access gym with over 1,000 square metres of floor space spanning three levels. Members are supported to get fit with state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, Olympic lifting platforms and a functional training zone. Group classes are free.
Sally Pratley wrote on Google, “Ascend is more than just a great clean gym with lots of room and equipment. The staff and personal trainers are all helpful. The creche is awesome. The gym is a whole package.”
Orangetheory Fitness Gungahlin
Orangetheory Fitness Gungahlin offers a total-body group work out that combines science, coaching and technology to guarantee maximum results from the inside out. Work outs are designed to charge metabolism for more caloric after burn, more results, and more confidence. Orangetheory Fitness was created with all ages and all fitness levels in mind. Free trials available.
On Google, Denise Creighton-Jurgens wrote, “Absolutely the BEST gym to go to. Awesome coaches, amazing staff and fabulous members. Give it a go. You won't be disappointed.”
Anytime Fitness Gunghalin
Anytime Fitness, Gungahlin and Casey clubs, has a wide range of equipment and facilities so members can work out 24/7. State-of-the-art cardio, strength, free weight and functional training equipment is available. So are coaching services, personal, small group and specialised training, and Pilates.
Niroj Thapa wrote on Google, “Amazing gym with amazing people. Staff are super friendly. As soon as you walk in the door, you feel the family vibe. The club is always clean and tidy atmosphere.”
Fernwood Fitness Gungahlin
Fernwood Fitness Gungahlin is a health and fitness community that more than 70,000 women love. At Fernwood Fitness Gungahlin, members belong to a supportive, female-empowering club where women lift weights, flow in yoga, sweat in FIIT30 and cycle their hearts out.
On Google, Rebecca Reynolds wrote, “Am a long-term member and planning to stay that way. I live 25 minutes from the club but continue to remain a member because I would rather drive and go to a club that I love than join anywhere else.”
HIIT Republic Gungahlin
Gungahlin HIIT Republic is one of the biggest studios in the ACT. With a convenient location, a fun, welcoming environment, and top-notch strength and conditioning equipment, HIIT Republic Gungahlin has plenty of space for inspirational, effective high-intensity, interval work outs. All classes provide a full-body workout to improve energy levels, strength and endurance. No two workouts are the same. Register online for a free trial. Open 24/7.
On Google, Stuart Bell wrote, “Very friendly and great set up.”
If you’re looking for more information on gyms and other ways to get in shape, you might like our articles on the best high-intensity interval training classes, best CrossFit gyms, best martial arts schools, best yoga studios, best Pilates studios and best boxing gyms the ACT has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from a great gym?
A great gym should be well equipped and offer quality amenities. It should also have professional, friendly staff and trainers. The best gyms have a wide range of classes covering all fitness levels, and a vibrant atmosphere. You’ll also want a gym that is neat, organised and hygienic.
How often should I go to the gym?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule about the number of times to head to the gym each week. Many people go at least once a week and some more frequently. The number of times depends on many factors. One is your fitness goal and how quickly you want to see results. Another factor is whether you have physical issues requiring you to go more or less often. Remember: it’s important to prevent injury, so pace yourself.
Are gyms worth the membership price?
One thing is for sure: buying a membership and not going to the gym is a waste of money. Remember that gym memberships are priced on factors such as services, amenities, equipment and scheduling (with off-peak times often more economical). Lower-tiered memberships can, for example, give you access to the basics and some classes. Higher-tiered memberships might include access to extras like special discounts. Also check what amenities come with your membership, such as steam rooms and pools.
What should I do at the gym?
It can be overwhelming when first going to a gym. This includes deciding what exercises to do, what classes might be of interest, and what equipment is best for your fitness goals. Your best step forward is to talk to staff and ask for ideas based on your fitness level. Some gyms offer quick tutorials on equipment use and some provide you with a workout schedule.
Should I talk to my doctor before going to the gym?
It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re going to a gym for the first time. This will help you determine whether you have issues you need to consider or tell gym staff about.
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