Are you looking for group exercise classes? Maybe you are interested in hiring the services of personal trainers or a fitness coach? A gym membership can be a huge source of fun, fitness and community, but you want to make sure that it’s the right one for you and that you’re in the hands of professional and qualified fitness staff. If you’re looking for the best gyms in Canberra, then look no further!
Skip to the list of Canberra's best gyms
- Anytime Fitness
- Club Lime
- Elements Fitness
- F45 Training Braddon
- Southern Cross Stellar Women’s Gym
- Stockade Training Centre
How to choose a gym?
Choosing a gym can feel like a big commitment! If you are planning on going frequently then you may end up spending a lot of time there so it’s important to find a gym that fits your fitness interests and your needs. If you are new to fitness then you may require a more hands-on approach, with a gym that is highly staffed and has options for personal training and 1 on 1 sessions.
- Staffed set-hour gyms: these gyms are open for a set number of hours (for example, 6am to 10pm) and within those hours, there is always a staff member onsite to help you. The benefit of this kind of gym is that you know there is always a qualified professional there to answer any questions you may have, but many people find the restricted hours too limiting. These gyms often have group fitness classes on offer.
- 24/7 gyms: this kind of gym is where you are given an access key to the front door that you can access any time of day, 24/7. They will usually have staff on the premises between set hours (for example, 9 - 5) but outside of those hours there won’t be staff on site if you have any questions or need assistance. These gyms are less likely to have group fitness classes on offer.
- Specialist gyms: If you have a particular fitness interest then there is likely going to be a gym somewhere specifically for that interest! Cross-fit, F45, women's only gyms and more - the options are endless! Often these gyms are more expensive than traditional generalist gyms but depending on your interests, the specialised equipment may be worth it.
How much do gym memberships cost in Canberra?
This will vary depending on a few factors. If you are looking at a specialist gym, they are likely to be more expensive than a generalist gym, because of the specialist equipment and staff required and can cost between $20 and 30 per week. Usually, the 24/7 gyms are the most cost effective options, because they are able to save money on staffing costs and can charge as little as $14.99 per week.
Depending on what style of commitment you are looking at, if you are willing to enter into a longer contract (for example, 12 months) and pay up front, you are likely to save money this way. However many people choose to instead enter a month to month contract, which is slightly more expensive but can be cancelled with little-to-no notice.
The best gyms in Canberra 2024
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When looking for a gym in the Canberra region, check out our list of the best local businesses below.
Stockade Training Centre
Stockade Training Centre is one of Canberra’s leading martial arts and boxing gyms that caters to all levels from beginners to experienced athletes.
A number of Olympic and world class athletes have walked through their doors and trained at the centre. Their expert coaches offer advice that can help help you reach your training dreams.
Elements4Life
Elements4Life takes a holistic outlook to health and lifestyle and promote teamwork and a stronger community vibe for their clients.
They deliver world leading functional training programs, specialising in high-intensity interval training, strength cycles, personal training and semi-private training with a focus on personal growth.
Southern Cross Stellar Women’s Gym
Stellar Women’s Gym at the Southern Cross has a range of new equipment, a functional fitness space along with a beauty bar and a green room that provides a calm social space.
Stellar members have access to over 100 group fitness classes as well as time in the pool and everything you need to live a healthier happier lifestyle.
F45 Training Braddon
F45 is a specific workout designed to provide a functional full-body workout that will improve strength, energy levels and endurance.
The 45-minute session is a time-efficient way for you to train and the team mentality provides an encouraging environment for you to progress your health and fitness.
Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness has a number of gyms right across Canberra and Australia that are open 24/7 so you can work out when you want.
From free weights to functional, cardio to strength, their gyms have up to date equipment to suit your workout needs. They also have helpful and friendly staff that can assist you achieve your fitness goals.
Elements Fitness
Elements Fitness is an independently owned and operated studio that offers coaching in martial arts, power lifting, weight lifting, strongman training and gymnastics strength training.
They believe that regular training in their friendly environment will help improve your mental and physical health and have you ready to meet challenges head on.
Club Lime
Club Lime have over 30 locations across the ACT so they are bound to be have convenient location to make is easier for you to achieve your health and fitness goals.
They offer a wide range of equipment for strength and cardio, and you can also take advantage of their knowledgeable team to better your fitness understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I go to the gym?
There are no hard-and-fast rules on how often you should go to the gym. If you are just new and starting out, then maybe start off with twice a week and build from there. More experienced trainers may go more and some even go every day of the week. You just want to be careful about overdoing it to avoid injury but it is a good idea to check with the expert gym staff and they can recommend a schedule.
Is it expensive to go to the gym?
Different gyms will charge different prices but the cheapest option will be somewhere around $15 to $20 per week. If you are going multiple times a week then it is well worth it, but it can becoming costly if you aren’t going and forget about the weekly charge.
Should I seek advice before lifting weights?
Yes, absolutely! Trying to lift heavy weights with no experience and without the right technique is likely to lead to serious injury. The best gyms have staff handy that will be more than happy to help guide you through certain exercises with the right technique to get the most out of your workout and help avoid injury.
What makes a great gym?
A great gym should have a number of qualities that make it a good, safe place to train. They should have all the best equipment that is well-maintained and cleaned properly. The staff should be friendly and willing to help people with their workouts. You also want a place where you can feel comfortable to train in a good environment.
Are personal trainers available at gyms?
Typically yes, but it can depend on the gym. To make sure they do have personal trainers on hand to assist, it is best to ask the gym before you sign up.
