I'll start by saying that I really like the concept of barre body & it's a great workout. The…read morereason for the lackluster score is twofold- 1. I think the price is utterly ridiculous & 2. There's no good 'beginner class' options which means people are more prone to injuring themselves due to lack of knowledge or technique. I did about 3 weeks of classes (and intro 2 week deal and a week afterwards) and went probably 9 times so I got a great overall view of the classes. The teachers were really lovely but a few moved far too quickly through the yoga components of the classes & I could see people struggling to keep up & rushing their poses to do so (which will lead to injury eventually). There was no explanation to newbies about the poses and no real extra attention paid to them. For those in the know the workout is excellent - it's quite lower limb heavy but different classes are varied and it is hard work- my butt & legs were killing me for days after each class!! The price. Woah. It's so expensive. Over $200 a month for unlimited classes! That's too much by anyone's standards. Their overheads are not that excessive. So what's my summary - eh, if you can afford it, do some yoga classes somewhere else first so you get to know the poses and then go nuts. You'll get a great workout with lovely teachers in a truly gorgeous space.

I admit I was pretty intimidated about the idea of doing a Barre class. I always thought it would…read morebe some kind of ballet show-off session with super toned chicks in impossibly skimpy outfits making me feel fat and frumpy. After some friends and my Pilates teacher filled me in on what REALLY goes on here, I thought I'd bite the bullet and give it a try with the two week $50 pass as a way to shake up my exercise regime. I'm really glad I did and can confirm a few things for anyone else wondering if they should take the plunge. 1) There's women of all shapes and sizes here. I once also saw a guy, but usually it's a women only affair. 2) Apart from the Barre that you use for some exercises and a couple of ballet terms, it's not very ballet/dancy at all. 3) The teachers are very kind and super lovely. There's none of that "look at me I'm so great" attitude you might get elsewhere. 4) The Barre Tone classes will make you sweat and work muscles in small but excruciating ways. 5) Your arms, legs and bum will look and feel better in just a month! I'm now attending two or three classes a week (mostly Barre Tone and Barre Body ones) and really love how it has improved my fitness, flexibility and strength in just a couple of months. The online booking system is very easy to use, though I wish you could book more than a week in advance as I like having my schedule organised a fortnight at a time. I also really like that I can use class credits in any of the Barre Body studios around Melbourne and Sydney as this gives me more flexibility when travelling.

This is a great small pilates studio, small but beautifully laid out with great equipment. Both…read moreregular teachers Donna and Sarah are very friendly and adapt classes to suit each person, making sure that it remains challenging. Lots of variety too and very good working with any limitations/injuries. Very easy to book and change classes.

From the owner: Fluid Pilates is a fully equipped Pilates studio in Collingwood. At Fluid Pilates we offer…read morepersonalised Pilates instruction addressing specific goals, postural deviations, muscle imbalances and strength and flexibility. Custom designed programs are created to address the individual needs of each client to achieve their Pilates goals whether it be injury management and rehabilitation, pre and post natal Pilates or general fitness and body maintenance. Choose from either small group Pilates classes or perfect your Pilates with private Pilates classes. Contact Fluid Pilates for further information or to make a booking.

In sculpture, an armature is the framework upon which the sculpture is built. The armature…read moreprovides strength and stability to the sculpture and holds it erect. I can't think of a better name for a Pilates studio, and it certainly is the perfect name for this particular Pilates studio, which aims to give all its clients the guidance and training required to achieve a strong body framework. The studio holds individual, small and larger group classes for both mat and equipment courses. It's important to start Pilates at the very beginning in order to have a sound understanding of its technique and principles and Armature Pilates have a great selection of beginners classes for newcomers. They'll also take you through to higher levels of Pilates and even hold Instructor workshops. This isn't the cheapest place to do Pilates, nor the cheapest type of exercise one can commit to, but in terms of the expertise and complete guidance you'll get at this studio, the classes are worth every cent and your body will thank you for it.

As a Pilates devotee I was sad to say goodbye to the studio I loved when I moved to the Northside…read more Steph the owner of Armature patiently guided me through their class styles and how their booking and credit buying system worked. The flexibility of their studio practice is as bendy as their excellent instructors which is one of the things I love most. Buy a quantity of credits in store then pick and choose classes online as suits you - just use your credits within 90 days - easy! Never underestimate the convenience of being able to move out of an early morning class while you are out imbibing cocktails into the wee hours the night before. The other great thing is that I have found all the classes and instructors to be amazing in their own unique way. So now I just slot into classes when I can fit them in rather than follow the same schedule each week for fear of missing out on my favourite work out. And last but not least, it's a simple and airy set up with two rooms and a newly opened dedicated reformer studio at another location nearby. No need to be a fanatical fitness freak here. Just roll on up and give them a go... you're body with thank you.

A great studio offering a huge range of classes (hot yoga, aerial yoga, Pilates/reformer/barre..)…read more The timetable is extensive, with lots of options available at all times. Friendly, welcoming staff, beautiful new studio. I've only tried the yoga so far, which I highly recommend. Everything else seems very popular.

From the owner: Studio 3 Australia is newly furnished with four rooms dedicated to their practice of hot yoga,…read moreaerial yoga and reformer pilates. Our team have years of experience as yoga and pilates teachers. Each teacher has a different style and feel free to contact us if you'd like to hear more about particular classes. Contact the friendly team at Studio 3 Australia if you'd like to hear more about our new studio.

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 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

Whether you are a beginner or more advanced you will find something to suit at this stunning…read morestudio. The Ariel yoga classes are a blast and great for working on supported flexibility, inversions, and strength or meditating and healing (choose a restorative class for the latter). You'll be surprised how comfortable it is on the fabric cocoon. The small studio has intimate classes (yoga, Pilates or ariel) with the best teacher I've ever met (and I've trialled most studios in the area). It is so refreshing to find a teacher who is passionate, welcoming and understanding - someone who is willing to give you individual guidance and support. They've advanced my practice much further and I'm very grateful. Check it out

From the owner: Garden of Yoga is a space of joy, inspiration and nurturing. We have a deep love and respect for…read morethe practice and philosophy of yoga. Our goal is to share these practices in a way that makes everyone feel welcome, comfortable and supported. We draw from the healing wisdom of yogic philosophy, the flow of vinyasa, the precision of pilates, the fun and exhilaration of Aerial Yoga and the relaxation of restorative yin yoga and meditation.

Can't sleep? Why not go to the gym to work up that desire for a nap!…read more Found opposite Barkly Square - known for its concentration of deep fried foodery places - Doherty's Gym can often be found with a muscle-bound hulk-esque person moving through the doors. Because of this it took me quite a while to actually go in. a few laps past the windows to look in to see the equipment they have available and the membership prices. One night I couldn't sleep - one of the hot sticky nights that sleep just doesn't want to come - so I thought to myself that now is the best possible time to go and try it out. The gym layout is styled on those west coast US gyms you see in the movies. With more equipment than you can imagine - weight training, cardio fitness, boxing and more - I just wanted to run on the treadmill for a few hours. Afterwards the fully stocked Pro Shop for all your training supplement requirements,and what's better is the coffee shop found even closer than you'd expect. Now I guess I'll never sleep. The membership is not the cheapest if you're a "every now and then" kinda gym user but if it's a 4-6 day a week thing this is definitely for you.

Amazing gym. -it has all the equipment you need…read more -amazing staff and services. - it has a community/ family vibe to it. - direct debit is only $15 a week. -open 24 hours a day....every day. -has a room dedicated to boxing. Need more? Go in, check it out and say hello.