The North Shore Gym is nothing special to write home about. While it's not the best, it certainly…read moreisn't the worst. It is the main gym located on the North Shore, a rare sight when Fitness First doesn't dominate. The membership and casual prices are more affordable compared to the big gyms such as Fernwood and Fitness First and the different types of plans are also more flexible. Student rates are also available, as many university students frequent this gym. The North Shore Gym is pretentious and "very north shore", where people dress to impress from head to toe Nike gear and a full face of makeup. Some even make an appearance to flaunt their stuff. With so many good looking people it can be a little intimidating, especially if you are conscious about your weight or fitness level. The social aspect of the club is good- if you're looking to meet a man you've found the perfect place!

Once again, I should point out that my wife is a trainer at this gym. I believe I have maintained…read moremy objectivity in these reviews, but I thought it should be known. This is an update, some five months or so after my first review. I'm pleased to say that since then NSG has invested in some new weights and machines and is rapidly phasing out the old equipment. Together with the community feel of the gym - so different from a Fitness First - this means it really deserves to be upgraded to a five star gym. I've been to many, many gyms over the years (particularly while travelling for business) and I cannot think of one as friendly, welcoming, communal and now well-equipped as this one. I have to give it five stars. I know North Shore Gym has recently acquired a gym in Lane Cove. I look forward to seeing if NSG management can replicate the magic there.

I've never been one to be too fussed about working out alongside guys at the gym. I'm definitely…read morenot one to put on a full face of make up before I go and get hot and sweaty on the treadmill (I've never understood that actually?!), but I can certainly see the appeal of Fernwood. Having a women's only gym removes any fuss, but more importantly, it frees up the weights! It's also good having staff on hand who understand how women want to work out. It's (generally) not about bulking up, but trimming and toning, hence their tailored programs like "Get Foxy," "Beach Bod Boost" and "Operation Wedding Dress." Sure they all sound corny as can be, but the trainers know what they're doing. For the day-to-day grind, there's a litany of classes like Body Pump, Pilates, Yoga, Spin and even the current fad: Zumba.

Open long hours, all types of bodies and fitness levels at this gym. The indoor heated pool is well…read moreorganised with good signage...people obey the lane rules...a plus for me. Anyone who has had a neck injury because someone has hogged the lane would appreciate this. The spa is clean and the pool assistant checks on the area frequently. The sauna is piping hot....I mean the atmosphere...oh I mean the temperature....gee take it how it comes. Ha The gym area upstairs has a huge range of fitness equipment. You can pull every muscles in every direction in this area. Good flat screens show the latest TV shows. The area is very much self contained from the other areas and you can't hear the huffing and puffing. There are squash courts, a tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool. This place has everything. Now for the best bit there is a bar here. Work out with friends then have a drink afterwards. There are also not many youngsters....too expensive for them and their parents.

One of the best yoga studios in the State. Great vibe and…read moreatmosphere the instructor is very informative and patient friendly 5* def

I wasn't sure if I was in a 5 star spa or a a yoga studio- this is seriously the most gorgeous spot…read moreto practice that I've found in Sydney. I visited Humming Puppy through ClassPass and can't wait to get back. I'll get to the yoga in a second but I think it's worth mentioning all of the amenities these guys provide. Want to take a shower? They provide complimentary towels and bath products. Need to charge your phone? They've got portable chargers. Thirsty? Have some coconut water or a tea. Forgot your hair tie? They've got you covered. There's a great area outside of the studio that I could definitely see hanging out in just to avoid leaving this studio! The studio itself is a bit dark and mysterious looking, and it "hums." I took a Mellow Hum class, which was a yin-esque class where the room was heated to 27 degrees. The instructor was amazing, and the hour flew by way quicker than I wanted it to. This studio is also a 5 minute walk from the Redfern station so really easy to get to!

When I was younger, my brother started attending karate lessons. Being the strange child that I…read morewas, I wanted to copy him and join in as well. So, 2 years later, I joined the beginner karate class at Key Martial Arts (known as Freestyle Martial Arts Academy at the time). I've being doing karate here for 4 years now, and it has been awesome. The instructors are great people, with at least one of them being a tournament champion. In the style of karate taught here (Kenpo), you do a grading at the end of each term (10 weeks or so) to see if you will qualify for the next degree/belt. There is also a holiday schedule available for the people who want to keep training in the holidays *cough* me *cough*. If you have done (I think) at least 6 lessons in one holiday, you have the opportunity to do an extra grading. I managed to do one of these, so I gained a new level at the end of the holidays. Even with the extra grading, it has taken me 4 years to get to junior black belt rank, and I can't move up any more until I reach the age of 16, where I'm eligible to earn my senior black belt. Between my brother and myself, I think we've been to classes at five different locations around Sydney, not counting any of the in-school and external tournaments that we've done. Thanks to an advanced, invite only class, my brother and I were also on the Demonstration Team for one of these tournaments. That was an incredible experience, that was then made better by us competing afterwards, using skills and sparring techniques that had been taught to us by the experienced and professional instructors of Key Martial Arts. Basically: the school's great, the instructors are really nice and helpful, and it's well worth looking at the website and at least doing a trial class.

I've been a member at Ruben's for over a year now & it's been one of the best experiences. It's the…read moreclasses & the people that keep you coming back. The classes were always full of sweat & laughter. Especially Ruben's stories & dance moves. LOL The time slots really worked for me, so you end up training With allot of the same people, so it becomes like having a PT w your bestys. I love SFX, POUND FOR POUND (boxing) & PILATES. Sandy has a special place in everyone's heart. Love these legends. TanTan x

At Rubens is friendly, professional and authentic. With…read moreknowledgeable and enthusiastic staff and instructors the classes are a must. High energy spin classes, challenging strength & boxing and yoga. Highly recommended this facility for all levels of fitness as it provides a supportive community which is motivating not only for the body but mind.

So there are 3 different Anytime Fitnesses in this area. And I find this one the best. It is…read moregenerally less crowded and has the least try-hards in it. But as all Anytime gyms are, this is still quite small. The down side is there are no lockers and there are only 3 showers. So you might be waiting for a bit for a shower. However, as this is a suburban gym, I think that they assume that most people will shower at home and will keep all their personals in their car.

From the owner: At Anytime Fitness, we fit your busy schedule and on-the-go lifestyle. With an Anytime Fitness…read moremembership, you can workout anytime of the day or night! Our clubs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Talk about no more excuses! At Anytime Fitness you hold the key, to the member door that is! To access the club, you use your very own keycard. Once inside, you have full use of state-of-the-art strength training equipment and cutting edge cardiovascular equipment. Plus, our clubs are scrupulously clean and they offer a friendly and supportive atmosphere that is second to none.

Ninth Wave is the best gym I have ever been to…read more Having been a member for a year now I can say that it has been a such a great experience going to an independent gym and working with Owner and trainer Matthew. All of my workouts are completely personalised to what my goals, strengths and weaknesses are. The gym has a community feel to it and is not an intimidating place for new people. I have made some great friends by participating in some of the great classes that the gym has to offer. The members that go here are from a diverse age bracket, fitness level, experience level and all have different goals. If you are looking to recover from injury, lose fat, get fit, or get strong, Ninth Wave Fitness is the place you should look to for quality personalised support.

They have great and varied equipment. Their service is excellent and the staff is very friendly. If…read moreyou love to lose weight or to gains some muscles this is the place to go.