Anytime Fitness, one of Canberra’s most recommended gyms in Woden. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
So you want to get into the best shape of your life and be part of a community of like-minded people. Why not join a gym?
A membership in a great gym will help improve your physical and mental health. That’s whether you’re new to the gym scene or a gym junkie looking for a new place to join.
The best gyms have plenty of equipment to use to get fit. Many have classes, personal trainers and supportive staff, all designed to move you to the top of your game. Other benefits of going to the gym include relieving stress and meeting new people. With the right gym, your experience can be not only beneficial but fun.
It can be challenging, however, to find the right gym for your needs.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a gym, and share where to find the best in Woden, including Phillip and Stellar.
What makes a great gym?
Choosing the right gym can make all the difference in the world to your fitness goals. A motivating and welcoming venue will inspire you to return time and again. It will also ensure you get great total value out of your membership investment.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a gym:
- Top-notch equipment. The best gyms in Woden have amazing equipment, some state-of-the-art. This means they can cater to all fitness levels, needs and interests. Quality equipment means it’s regularly maintained and safe.
- Quality staff. Helpful, friendly and experienced staff are essential to enjoying your gym membership. That includes reception staff through to professional trainers and coaches. Quality staff will have your back and be there to answer questions. They’ll also support you to work out safely.
- Membership details. When you sign up to a gym in Woden, you’ll want a membership that covers your needs and gives you the biggest bang for your buck. There’s nothing worse than overpaying for services you won’t use. This means it’s important to check membership details before signing on the dotted line.
- Affordable and flexible. With the right deal, you don’t have to pay a fortune to belong to a gym. Look into terms and conditions to make sure your membership is flexible and affordable. Also look for special details, discounts and costs for using the gym at certain times. You can pay more to use some gyms at peak (busy) times, for example.
- Services and amenities. Quality gyms are more than just spaces with equipment. They offer a range of services, including classes and convenient timetables. They also have amenities that make your experience enjoyable.
The best gyms in Woden
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.
Southern Cross Women’s Gym at Stellar
Southern Cross Women’s gym at Stellar has a friendly, functional fitness space, complete with beauty bar and relaxing social space. Qualified, experienced personal trainers are ready to help, including with a workout plan. This unique gym has everything members need to be healthier and happier. The women’s gym is over 400 square metres. Members have access 24/7, 365 days a year.
On Google, Annie Byran wrote, “Fabulous gym! Light filled; great equipment; and excellent staff who are friendly, professional and highly experienced.”
Anytime Fitness Stellar
Anytime Fitness at Stellar Canberra has an extensive range of equipment and facilities so members can work out in their own way and in their own time, 24-7. Equipment covers cardio, strength and free weight, and functional training. Members can also access training and coaching services, personal, small group and specialised training, Pilates and virtual coaching.
Andrew Hunt wrote on Google, “This is really excellent gym. It has a pleasant ambience, top quality gym equipment and amenities and helpful staff.”
Niche Power Performance
Niche Power Performance train only with qualified, experienced coaches. The gym offers personalised sessions to help members of all levels and fitness abilities achieve their fitness goals. Individual and small group training sessions are available. Niche Power Performance offers a free, 30-minute consultation.
Stevie Crow wrote on Google, “The trainers make you feel so welcome and comfortable. The gym classes are suitable for everyone. The trainers and owners of the gym have created a family …”
Fernwood Fitness Woden
Fernwood Fitness Woden is a women's only, 24/7 gym offering cario, weights, yoga, Pilates and group fitness activities. The gym empowers women by giving them the confidence needed to succeed. Fernwood Fitness Woden members are supported by personal trainers, food and nutrition coaching, and wellness programs. A huge range of equipment is available, as are virtual workouts.
Caroline Holmes wrote on Google, “Joining this gym three years ago. Was the best decision I’ve ever made for my health and wellbeing.”
Crossfit Woden
Crossfit Woden is so much more than a gym. All workouts can be scaled for senior to juniors. At CrossFit Woden, members enjoy an inclusive environment based on having fun and getting fitter together. Classes run for 45 minutes to an hour, which includes warm-up, workout and cool down. CrossFit Woden provides all clients with a coach for life and a free consultation session.
On Google, Dan Ryall wrote, “Great gym with awesome coaches … They have a free two-week trial too!”
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.
Your experience with gyms in Woden
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback, if you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you attended any of these gyms in Woden? Share your experience below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from a great gym?
A great gym should be well equipped and offer quality amenities. More than that, it should have professional, knowledgeable, experienced and friendly trainers and support staff. At a quality gym, you can expect to take classes designed for your fitness level. You also may want a welcoming gym with a family feel. Last, but not least, you’ll also want your gym to be neat, organised and hygienic.
How many times should I go to the gym each week?
There’s no rule book on how often you should go the gym. Some members attend a couple of times a week. Gym junkies can be at the gym almost every day. How often you go depends on factors such as your fitness goal and how fast you want results.
Are gyms worth the membership price?
One thing is certain: 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. Lower-tiered memberships can, for example, give you access to basics and a limited range of 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 fitness regimen should I adopt at my gym?
Everybody’s fitness regimen is different. Some members love to work out on machines. Others want to get fit with floor classes. Still others want a wide range of fitness activities to keep motivated. To get on the right track, talk to staff and ask for ideas based on your fitness level and fitness goals.
How important is the location of my gym?
Many gym-goers believe location is important. If a gym isn’t easy and convenient to access, you might find you don’t go as often. Other gym members are prepared to drive a distance to get a certain trainer, style of training class, or type of equipment.
Loading ...
