I'll start with the same thing I said in my review of the Fitzroy studio: I think it's tempting…read morewhen writing reviews of places like this to review the activity rather than the facilities and their suitability for that activity. That's not quite fair, though. Make no mistake, Bikram Yoga is not for everyone. It's hot. It's sweaty. And frankly, it's kind of gross. (Among other things, it has to be done in a carpeted room. (Carpeting with all that sweat??? Yeah. Kind of gross.) You can't really hold that against a Bikram studio, though. It'd be like rating a brewery based on its crappy wine list. Bottom line for the Richmond studio, as for Fitzroy: if Bikram is your thing, or you haven't ruled it out yet and want to give it a go, then this is a great studio. The Good: The main thing I prefer about this studio is that it tends to be less "sceney", and the students are a bit more polite about chatting before/after class. I also like that the lockers are free, and that the teachers (on average) tend to do a bit better about looking after new students and making corrections (though there are still those who are pretty slack in this department, something you'll find anywhere you practice). The Bad: My main gripes are that the heating/air system is pretty darn inconsistent, and the locker room a bit cramped (only three showers, there's usually a queue). I was also pretty unhappy when I bought a 50 class pass and wasn't told that there was a 20% off sale on passes in a few weeks, since I definitely would have held off and saved myself $100; if the owners were more of a presence, that might not have happened. That'd be another difference from the Fitzroy studio. I'll throw in my tidbit of first-timer advice here, too: go at least three times before deciding whether it's for you -- try not to judge right away. If I hadn't gotten that advice when I went the first time, I probably would have never gone back. The first time or two are the hardest because you don't know what the hell is going on and all you can think about is the heat. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. And do your very best to listen and follow the teacher's instructions.

All of my Bikram practice occurs at the Richmond studio. It has a really convenient location, close…read moreto trams and train (about a 10 minute walk). Some other reviews of the studio mention the carpet. A couple of months ago, the studio introduced carpets that don't absorb the moisture associated with the practice. I find that the studio doesn't maintain that mustiness as much as it used to. Given the popularity of the studio, it's facilities are quite small (2 bathroom stalls and 3 showers for the girls) and do struggle to cope with the influx of eager students. Lockers are free and there is free mat storage for regulars. Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday are definitely the busiest days, most likely repenting for the weekend but don't let that put you off. Bikram is tough work, but don't give up on the practice. The more you go, honestly the better you feel. Suitable for all skill levels it's quite a workout aided by the lovely (although you may not think it at the time) instructors. A fan.

I have been a member for about 6 months, suitable time make a fair judgement call about Fernwood…read moreCamberwell. Depending on what you want out of your gym, if you've got a clean, friendly and well equipped space you're going alright--this is Fernwood. It's quite a big gym, there several separate areas including a cardio room, weights room with extra cardio equipment, group fitness space and a cycle room. There are several classes to choose from with a mix of Les Mills classics like Pump, CX Worx, Body Attack, Combat and Balance, as well as their own mix of classes: Swiss ball, boot camp, yoga, reformer Pilates, step, core and cycle classes to name a few. Majority of classes are between nine and five, obviously to suit the mummy demographic, it would be nice to see a better variety of classes around 6am and 6pm. The facilities are good, probably a little tired looking if anything. The change room is huge, with several showers, steam room and sauna. If you're going out post-workout there's deodorant, hair dryers and several other nice touches you might need to get ready. Weekday morning they provide breakfast basics including toast, cereal, tea and coffee, there's also a fridge if you prefer to take your own to eat before you dash off to work. Staff are friendly and helpful, exactly the kind of people you need welcoming you. The trainers are great too, I've not come across a trainer or instructor who wasn't having a great time and doing their best to make you bust your butt.

I love the classes here, so many different options including Reformer Pilates, Body Pump and Yoga…read more Staff are friendly and very helpful. A lot has changed for the better since the new owner took over mid last year.

What an amazing park in Melbourne, I came here twice during our week long trip…read more Everything is so well-maintained and the architecture of the building and the fountain is magnificent. I took so many photos in front of the fountain (and I wasn't the only one). On the first day we came to this park we bought a coffee at nearby Good Measure (be sure to try their Mont Blanc) and walked around the gardens. The next time, we came with a blanket and just soaked up the sun and relaxed. It's an easy tram ride over here from the CBD, I would highly recommend anyone visiting Melbourne to put this on your list!

Well-maintained, 64 acre, green space in downtown Melbourne. There were lots of big old beautiful…read moretrees strangely circled in plastic so possums can't climb up and destroy them. I photographed a very strange possum in a. tree. We saw flowers, Berries in trees and fountains. The gardens are an example of Victorian landscape design with sweeping lawns and varied European & Australian tree plantings consisting of deciduous English oaks, White Poplar, plane trees, elms, conifers, cedars, turkey oaks, Araucarias & evergreen trees. Moreton Bay figs, combined with flower beds of annuals & shrubs were meticulously maintained. A network of tree-lined paths provides formal avenues for highlighting the fountains

My wife and I discovered this wonderful studio while traveling. The classes were just what we…read moreneeded - well-paced that pushed us at times while also incorporating some yin poses. The staff (and clientele) were friendly and accommodating. Knowledgeable teachers. A great studio.

O'Donnell Gardens are the gardens that back on to Luna Park on the Esplanade in St Kilda. Always a…read morepopular spot for a picnic, hang out, read or just watch people scream on the roller coaster at Luna Park. On a sunny day it's really nice to get fish and chips or an ice cream and hang out amongst the palm trees. With so many shops, bars and the beach close by, the O'Donnell Gardens appeals to a lot of people who want to have a break from their day and just sit under a tree and read a book. It's very relaxing (despite the continual screams) where it has that central location feel where you see why St Kilda is such a popular area in Melbourne. Great for people watching as well if you get a kick out of that!

O'Donnell Gardens is a small, grassy, palmy space adjacent to Luna Park…read more It's not large like the Catani Gardens, no BBQ area or playground for the kids, which is ok - because you need places like O'Donnell. A lovely place to sit, soak up the sun and enjoy the beachy feel under one of the many palms, listen to the squeals of delight and fear from Luna Park, and watch as the people and sounds of St Kilda come to life. A lovely place for singles to sit and read a book, or for the romantic to enjoy some quiet time in the heart of Melbourne - St Kilda Beach.

Good place to workout. Huge floor area and lots of space with countless machines. $45 for a day…read morepass, great group classes, very well maintained, if you're from USA, this is sort of like an equinox.

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 really love this small and cozy space! I've taken a few classes through Class Pass, the have a…read moresmall curtained changing room and cubbies in the back of the studio for storing items. I love how affordable the classes here compared to some of the othered in the area with still a high quality. I also love they offer some less heated yoga sessions/ I love Yoga but don't always love when the heat is turned up to 30C.

In Melbourne for a few days and decided to go to a 60 minute hot yoga class in the morning. The…read morestudio was very clean, the people were lovely, the class was great! The heat was low in comparison to some of the other classes I take. 10/10 would do again.