Writing a review of a fitness centre you signed up for in the last month of 2014 is like gushing to…read moreyour gal pals all too early about that guy you've been seeing and getting the warm fuzzies from. There's still that early days chance that it's all going to fall into a heap and you're left rejected or perhaps the one doing the rejecting. But, let's run with the current feeling of warm fuzzies and stay positive that this new relationship I'm having with a particular fitness centre is on the up and up. I'm a sick creature that loves spin classes. Unfortunately, unless you're willing to sign up to a gym Brisbane is lacking a dedicated spin studio. Maybe there's a business opportunity here?!? A Brisbane Soul Cycle. I digress. I didn't want to sign up for any ol' gym and after following Function Well for a while on Instagram I made a time to speak to their membership consultant being equally excited and afraid of what I was getting myself in for. The membership fee is slightly high but realistically no more than 1 or 2 coffees a day over the course of a week, and for the ability to attend three spin classes a week (more if my schedule allows), plus an infrared sauna on site, general gym equipment and a stack of other high intensity classes - it works for me. Yes, like any gym, there's the incredibly buff guys, there's the women who work out in full faces of makeup and there's the fitness folk that are rocking the Paleo thing like no body's business - but I'm yet to feel or be made feel out of place. In fact, although I'm a solo rider and keep to myself, I genuinely sense there's a great community vibe at the club and people are there to support one another through each class. If group training is your thing they regularly run 8-week challenges and have a cross fit-style studio around the corner that is open 24 hours a day. It's a little something for everyone. The space itself has been a few different gym chains in the time I've lived in Brisbane and as such it's not as sparkling new as other venues. The equipment is however and isn't any different from other gyms if you're familiar. The female change room is modern with lockers available, showers, hair dyers and even magazines. There's also a physio, nutritionist and creche on-site. If you're looking for a place to kickstart your new year resolutions or just need a mix up of your usual routine, based on the early day warm fuzzies, I'd say Function Well could well be the place to check out. In the mean time, I'm going to keep enjoying the feeling I get after I walk out of a class here. Clear mind and strong!

From the owner: Function Well provides everything you need for physical improvement: we come equipped with the…read morelatest training equipment, as well as experienced and friendly personal trainers, performance coaches and health specialists. For those who are looking to take their CrossFit, gymnastics and weightlifting to the next level, we have our Athletic Zone. If you'd like to restore and rejuvenate your body and mind through yoga, massage, meditation and more, we have Restoration Zone. We offer stimulating training environments that enable you to achieve the body that you want.

Tucked away in the far corner of the Spring Hill Baths--in what I believe is the former storage and…read morePilates room--is the sweet little space inhabited by Brisbane Barre Studio. While not the first in Brisbane, I believe it is definitely the funkiest, with rows of removable Barres, sophisticated monochrome decor and a vibe to match. It almost feels like a hidden meeting place, perhaps it hosts The Secret Society of the Shaking Solei & Sartorii... Compared to other Barre classes this style is still a heart-rate elevator, but heavily Pilates based rather than upbeat choreographed sequences or ballet technique. In a 50 minute class you will work harder than you could guess, even with "piddly" little 1kg weights. My triceps were burning the next day, but it was a minor inconvenience compared to the assault on my glutes and quads. In a good way, of course. Expect bare feet, a sweaty brow, solid leg shakes, and to cringe whenever you hear the word "pulse" forevermore. The laser vision of owner-instructor Adriana means her small technique adjustments pack a real punch, even if it initially appears that you're making a smaller movement. Barre classes are not the cheapest fitness past-time but it provides one hell of a bang for your buck. The emphasis on lengthening the muscles also helps combat some of the postural imbalances us desk-workers are prone to. A range of class types keeps it interesting as well, and if a dancer's bod is your goal, Barre is key. You will definitely work up a sweat in these intimate classes, so bring your togs to take a dip in the baths afterwards, or make like we did and head across the road for a cold one. You know, for balance.

From the owner: Brisbane's strongest Barre classes! Build lean, strong muscles, increase your metabolism, and burn…read morecalories. You'll move better, be stronger, stand taller, and feel better all day long.