The Brunswick pool is probably my overall least favourite of the clutch we have in the inner north,…read morebut that's not to say I don't like it. Pluses: It's in a prime location and is close to trains, trams, bike paths and there's plenty of parking; it is awesomely deep at the deep end, like five metres, so you get this crazy kind of claustrophobia when crossing the threshold from shallow to deep; it's pretty rustic and there are decidedly fewer poseurs and weirdos than the rest, though there can be a pretty annoying teen element that gets a bit wearisome. Minuses: Too may shit-brained teenagers; more expensive than Fitzroy and shitter resources; staff culture does not seem good, lots of blank expressions and general unhelpfulness. Overall it's a great asset for the area, but it could be a lot better.

Run by the YMCA, this community fitness facility is an affordable way for the whole family to keep…read morefit and healthy. The centre boasts a fully-equipped gymnasium with free weights, toning machines, stretching area with mats, exercise bikes, treadmills, steppers, rowers...the whole shebang. Friendly, professional trainers are always around to give you fitness advice and guidance. There is also workout room for group fitness classes like Zumba, yoga and pilates, and the well-known 'Body' range of classes (Pump, Balance, Attack). If jumping around isn't your thing, then perhaps you'll prefer a bit of splashing around in the indoor and outdoor pools. Afterwards, relax those tired (and perfectly toned) muscles in the sauna and spa area. Bliss. Take note though, the centre is undergoing major renovations at the moment and therefore pool and spa facilities are currently unavailable. It will be several more months before the new centre is revealed, but if the plans I've seen are anything to go by, it will be worth the wait. The centre's temporary address is 9 Phoenix Street, Brunswick, just behind the original building. Get updates on the progress of renovations on their Facebook page.

I have to have a trainer that can push me and I'm confident they know what they are doing. Chris is…read morea fantastic adaptable trainer that can train a team with variable fitness levels. He leads by example and makes your feel comfortable (whilst in pain lol).

From the owner: - Personal and or Group Training - Boxing Classes (Pads and…read moreBag work) - Fat loss training - Strength and Conditioning - Massage and Remedial Therapy - Cardio and Endurance Training - Sports Specific Training - High Performance Fitness Training - Strength, flexibility and resistance training - Swiss ball training - Core and lower back conditioning - Tailored fitness programs

I like working out here as it's cheap, not intimidatng and you can go any time of the day. It's…read morebasic, but that's all I nedd. Beacuse it's cheap, if you skip a week you don't feek so bad about losing lots of $

From the owner: It only takes 20 mins three times a week to look good and feel great.read more

"I can't. I can't get up." - Me. Two days after my first F45 session in Brunswick East. "The pain…read moreis real". I like to think of myself as pretty fit but this class really kicked me on my butt. F45 Functional Fitness was born in Australia by a couple of footy players with a pretty good idea. At it's base, it is simple circuit training - you work really hard for a few minutes and then rest for a minute to catch your breath - for a round total of 45 minutes. I did a 'Romans' class, which focuses more on strength (think tricep dips, weighted squats and suspended pushups), while the 'Athletica' class is more cardio-based. On Saturdays they do 'Hollywood' which is a mixture of both PLUS a DJ! Party workout! What makes F45 different to other workouts is the team-focus and technology used. There are multiple plasma screens on the gym walls, showing a countdown timer and a video of someone doing the exercise you are to follow. There are groups of 4-5, with each group doing a different exercise and eventually you rotate. I was given a partner and placed in to a group and we genuinely all bonded by the end! The instructors seemed young and a little nervous (this particular F45 only just opened, so I suspect they are still finding their feet) however I felt fully supported and motivated throughout the class. They help you with your technique and throw out a helluva lot of high fives when you're on your one minute break. If you're looking to make a real difference to your bod AND your fitness, you really need to give F45 a go. Grab a pal and get along.

From the owner: Group Functional Personal Training High Intensity Interval…read moreTraining Weight Loss Athletic Performance