Sometimes in the quest for finding the right fitness venue, it's right under your nose, blocked by…read morethe lingering smell of linament. So, forget about finding something in the city - if that's where you work - because the best time to work-out and get in the zone is far earlier than when the bus calls, if you're a fan of public transport, or when you're trapped outside of the T2 lane. Dial up a work-out time of around 6 a.m. at The Gap Health & Racquet Club and you'll find yourself in a sensational sweat and near solo as you work through the static and free weight machines and get that metabolism up to Mach speed that will kill any kilojoules consumed during the day - and even into the night for that matter! The Gap Health & Racquet Club has been the site of other health and well-being venues over the years, but seems to have found its followers in this incarnation that offers the traditional gym work-out plus tennis and racquet ball as alternative cardio sports. The facilities - and I was just there yesterday - are clean and hygienic - with a robust and friendly feel that evokes and encourages a comfort level of camaraderie that's often lacking in traditional gyms. And you won't find any gaps standing in your way when it comes to that experience!

From the owner: Social tennis is a great option for those who want to play tennis in a relaxed and friendly…read moreenvironment.

Awesome. Just awesome…read more Anchor offer boot camps, yoga and PT. Their boot camps are great because they are as tough as you want them to be - so they are perfect for the absolute beginner and for those who are already really fit. The trainers are all really great and never forget a name so it's a great environment. I've also seen they offer more specialised training when it gets close to an obstacle course being run in Brisbane - sounds like great fun but I would rather be in bed so I leave that for others. But it sounds great :) Definitely recommended.

The owners and trainers are friendly. Remember your name. The facility is small enough not to get…read morelost and have a great community feeling and big enough to get your work out done. The only facility I've come across where you can do yoga as well as metabolic conditioning type classes.

Great local studio providing mat, barre and studio small group classes. Sharon is the owner and has…read moremade the studio feel very welcoming especially for beginners just starting out in pilates. There's a wide mix of people that come along to the classes and it's a relaxed and friendly setting focusing on your individual needs. The studio has a full range of pilates equipment including reformers, trapeze table, chair and barrel. So you won't just be relegated to working on the reformer in your studio classes like some other pilates studios. You get personal and attentive guidance from the teachers here and they cater to your body so if you've got an existing injury and want to try pilates definitely try this place out.

Sharon and her team offer mat classes and one hour equipment/reformer classes for up to 3 people…read more The studio is small and welcoming and attracts people of all ages and levels of experience, including people who are rehabilitating from injury. Highly recommended for individualised attention in a safe and friendly environment.

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.

After one two-hour workshop with Amanda at Soho Yoga in Newmarket, I'm keen as a bean to come back…read morefor their timetabled Yin classes. The studio is a convenient walk from Windsor train station and there's ample street parking surrounding the studio if you drive. The space is clean, calm and a truly supportive place to dedicate to your practice - whether you're just beginning or are a seasoned yogi. I felt the most supported in my new practice than I have at other studios. Amanda was generous with her knowledge and patient in helping all of us get the best from the workshop. As is common now days you can book your classes in advance online but I do believe they also have walk-in availability.

Great local yoga place in the suburbs. I love that it offers pregnancy yoga, as well as a new mums…read more& bubs class, and kids yoga classes. The instructors are knowledgeable, relaxed and friendly. Definitely pop by to give them a try.

Really awful service. Was told upon joining I would have no…read morecancellation fees as it was the only way my roommate and myself would sign up that day and they are now making me stay in the contract and refusing to talk to the person that signed me up about it. So I either have to pay $245 to leave or continue paying for a total of around $600. They are basically calling me a liar even with a written statement from my roommate

Today I joined Goodlife in Ashgrove. Even though I just wanted to pop in, sign up, and get to work,…read moreI liked that they sit down with each newcomer to understand why you are joining, what you are trying to accomplish and explain a bit about all that the gym offers. Its like the beginning of a beautiful friendship... with a gym. The group classroom is massive and they have a good number of cardio and exercise machines - however they are missing a few of my favorites that were available at my past health clubs. I think I can make a few recommendations. I will report back on my thoughts on classes after I have had a decent sample. There is a discounted rate for Bupa members (and other private health insurance I assume) if there are any other expats in the crowd!

There's yoga studios I love in Brisbane but they involve a 20-30 minute train ride or drive in the…read morecar and when you just want to get your yogi on time is of the essence. Oh and removing all barriers to actually getting to class. Hence, I was quite excited to discover Yoga Everyday is just a zippy 10 minute drive from home. A download of an app, a tap of a schedule and I was booked in for my first class at this Stafford studio. A piece of pie. What was even more exciting is that they offer Yin Yoga - my favourite. A deep stretch and meditative class. It's an hour to be away from screens, to calm my mind and to stretch. But what did I crush on most from my first visit to Yoga Everyday? - Ample street parking and mostly free - Not one mirror in the studio. No one likes looking at them self contorting in different poses. The lack of mirrors washes away any negative self talk throughout class. - My instructor was a real person. She was just like one of us. She wasn't a twee dear chasing Instagram fame as a wellness warrior. And for the yoga breakthrough she gave me, showing me a way to use the blocks to help get into a pose I've struggled with for months earned instant brownie points. Til my next Yin class at Yoga Everyday, Namaste!

Great range of classes - beginners through to power yoga and yin. There are various instructors,…read moreall with their own styles, but they have been fantastic. The space is wonderful, it seems like a converted warehouse. The foyer is welcoming and fun - floor cushions to lounge on, plenty of space to stash bags and shoes. The actual studio space is glorious - polished floors, high ceilings and stacks of windows. In summer, the large doors are opened to let in the breeze and you can see the sky while you practice if you position yourself strategically. They've installed bar heaters for winter, so the space is cosy and warm. Overall, it's a friendly and fun space with a variety of classes and instructors. Their schedule is great - one of the few studios in the area with Sunday classes, it's the perfect way to finish the weekend. There's also a small courtyard with a fish pond, air plants and some funky astro turf.

Meh. Kinda old and run down. Don't know Brisbane that well, but seems like a sketchy neighbourhood…read more Parking is a cinch in the lot. The music was so loud while I was working out that I couldn't hear my iPod, nor could I think.

From the owner: Get started at Jetts with no contracts, low fees and 24/7 access. You can workout on your terms at…read morea time that suits you.