If your new year’s resolution to exercise more consistently has gone out the window a month into 2022, we have compiled a list of fitness studios to make it easier to tap into that motivation again. Fortunately, Canberrans have access to a variety of fun and engaging classes which can mend the tumultuous relationship you have with working out. Whether you prefer to stretch it out in a toasty studio to lo-fi music or get extremely sweaty while blasting upbeat tunes, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of our picks:
Tribe 11
Fyshwick
If you’ve been looking for something to help shake up your workout routine, Tribe 11 is an inclusive sisterhood which offers a few unconventional ways to exercise. You can enjoy a glass of bubbles and a beginner exotic dance routine in their Bodyrolls and Booze class. Or you can learn how to do headstands, handstands, and tumbles in the Trible Play and Hand Balancing classes. Other classes on offer are aerial hoop and self-defence classes and more.
KX Pilates
Kingston & Braddon
KX Pilates is Australia’s largest Pilates group which specialises in reformer Pilates. A Pilates reformer machine can be quite intimidating with all the pulleys, springs and wheels. While it may resemble a medieval torture machine to some, it promises to provide a low-impact, comprehensive full body workout. The 50-minute classes at KX are structured in a way which isolates and warms up your muscles and fatigues them before stretching them out using the reformer.
Xtend Barre
Canberra City
Xtend Barre combines elements of pilates and ballet to help participants improve their posture, strength, and flexibility. The result is a low impact, cardio-infused barre class which is both fun and vigorous. Don’t stress if you don’t know the first thing about pirouettes and pliés, the classes don’t require any dance training. The environment is geared to challenge everyone regardless of your age and fitness level.
Change Yoga
Forde & Scullin
Change Yoga runs almost every type of yoga class under the sun (salutation). There are 6 different yoga classes: Slow flow yoga, power flow yoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga, fundamentals yoga and even oncology yoga which is open to people at any part of the cancer journey. They also provide rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, dry needling and reiki.
Galvanized Fitness
Watson
Galvanised Fitness is owned by former Olympic gold medallist swimmer Felicity Lemke so it’s safe to assume she knows a thing or two about motivation and exercise. Her fitness studio offers killer high intensity classes to get your heart pumping including Functional Fitness, Bootcamp and Super Saturday classes for those who don’t have time during the work week.
GROUNDUP
Belconnen
GROUNDUP is a triple threat with Pilates, yoga and barre classes on offer. With its aesthetic monochrome colour décor, self-love mantra and a good balance of classes that will help you sweat and relax —it ticks all the boxes. The fitness studio is by Viva Leisure, the same Canberra-based group behind fitness giants Hiit Republic and Club Lime. If you have an existing membership with Hiit Republic or Club Lime, you can add GROUNDUP so you have access to every workout.
Fernwood Fitness
Belconnen, Canberra City, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Woden
From leering looks to patronising, unsolicited advice, too many women have felt unsafe and uncomfortable in gym settings. Fernwood Fitness is a gym franchise which exclusively caters to women. Members have access to group fitness classes such as FIIT20, Tai Chi, Zumba, yoga, Pilates and meditations as well as the cardio and strength training equipment. There are also in-house personal trainers and food coaches available to help you reach your goals.
Elements4Life
Belconnen and Harrison
Elements4Life is perfect if you are after a smaller gym that provides a very personalised approach to training. It is founded and owned by Erin Wells and Sebastian Ellis and their main goal is to ensure their clients foster sustainable fitness habits and adopt a healthy routine. Since it is a smaller gym there is a big focus on building a community and creating a safe space for every person that walks through the door.
Anytime Fitness
Multiple Locations
Anytime Fitness is one of Australia’s leading gyms and is built on the principle that working out is for anybody, anytime. With so many locations around Canberra it is convenient and easy to access. The gym is very inclusive and partners with organisations such as Proud2Play and WeFlex to improve accessibility to members of the LGBTIQ+ community and people with disability.
Written by Sohani Goonetillake.
